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jLiiJlLlRYOFCm'GRESS.S 

J/ 3?^^ ^^ * 

/|hnp. .'-:'.r... I^opprighl^o { 

{ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



Forty Years' Experience in Veterinary Practice, 



CARE, REARING, 



AND 



MEDICAL TREATMENT 



OF 



DOMESTIC AlMMALS. 



BY 

LUCIUS H. COLBY. 






AUBURN : 

Wm. J. Mores' Pfblisijinq HonflE, I'i Clark St. 



Ent.pred arcordinii; to Act of Congress, in tlio year eii»;h(ef'n 
luinfhvd and seventy-five, 

BY LUCIUS H. COLBY, 
in tlie office of the Librarian (,'f Con^-ress, at Washington, D. C. 






r 



PEEFAOE. 



This work does not claim to be wholly or even largely 
original, though it embodies many points in a forty 
years' experience in the Veterinary practice which have 
never before appeared in print. In its preparation we 
have availed ourselves of all valuable and reliable infor- 
mation within our reach, whether to be obtained from 
books, foreign or domestic, or from the experience and 
practice of others. 

The superior care bestowed in Great Britain upon 
every class of domestic animals, and the remarkable per- 
fection attained in the culture of horses, sheep and 
horned cattle, and the consequent high value set upon 
them when imported into this country, have induced us 
to give liberal extracts from recent English publications 
on the subject ; that the reader may be enabled to profit 
by their large experience and great success. 

With all these facilities, we have endeavored to com- 
pile a work which shall be found generally useful and 
valuable, and which we know, from personal experience, 
to be reliable. 



OONTEKTS. 



Preface . 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

Examination of the Patient 19 

How to select the Remedies 23 

The forms of the Remedies 24 

What Doses to Give 25 

How often to Give the Dose * 26 

Short Notes on Nursing 27 



Chapter I. 

DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH. 

The Teeth as Tests of Age 29 

Irregularities of the Teeth 32 

Painful and Difficult Teething 83 

Caries — 1 )eca3'ed Teeth 34 

Toothache 36 

General Symptoms of Diseased Teeth 36 



6 CONTENTS. 

Chapter II. 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

Aptha — Thrush 37 

Inflammation of the Mouth and Tongue 38 

Protrusion of the Tongue 40 

Injuries about the Mouth, Tongue, etc 41 

The Lampas in the Horse 42 

Salivation 43 

Ranula 43 

Osteo Sarcoma of the Lower Jaw in Oxen 43 

Gloss Anthrax — Blain 44 

Mouth and Foot Disease 47 

Mumps 52 

Joint of Lower Jaw Opened 53 

Chapter III. 

DISEASES OF THE THROAT. 

Sore Throat — Inflamed Throat 64 

Inflammation of Guttural Pouches 55 

Cases of Sore Throat 56 

Putrid or Malignant Sore Throat 58 

Throat Diseases in the Pig 59 

Chapter IV. 

DISEASES OF THE GULLET. 

Polypus 60 

Obstruction — Choking 60 

Treatment of Obstruction 62 

Dilatation and Stricture 63 

Chapter V. 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

Vomiting 64 

Hove — Hoven 65 

Relapsing Hove 66 



CONTENTS. 7 

Indigestion 67 

Cases of Indigestion in Horse 68 

Cases of Indigestion in Cow 69 

Stomach Staggers 69 

Mad Staggers VO 

Grass Staggers 71 

Fardel Bound 71 

Impaction of the Stomach 72 

Crammed Stomach 72 

Operation of Paunching 73 

Crib Biting and Wind Sucking. 74 

Stomach Pain in the Horse 75 

Loss of Appetite 76 

Chapter VI. 

DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

Intestinal Worms 77 

The Horse Bot 79 

Concretions 81 

Dust and Hair Balls 81 

Costiveness • 82 

Colic — Gripes 84 

Flatulent Colic 85 

Acute Indigestion 85 

Case of Colic 88 

Diarrhoea 88 

Looseness of the Bowels 88 

Case of Diarrhoea in Horse 89 

" ** *' Cow 90 

Braxy in Sheep 92 

(Described at page 281, under Carbuncular Diseases.) 

Dysentery — Bloody Flux 93 

Molten Grease 93 

Dysentery in Oxen 94 

Enteritis — Inflammation of the Bowel 96 

Enteritis with Exudation 98 

Peritonitis 99 

Chronic Inflammation of the Membrane lining the Abdomen 100 



8 C0^^ TENTS. 

Wood Evil — Moor 111 102 

Twists, etc., of the Bowel 103 

Intussusception 103 

Hemorrhoids — Piles 103 

Ascites — Dropsy of the Belly 104 

Protrusion of the Rectum 105 

Eversion of the Rectum 105 

Prolapsus 106 

'^ Chapter YII. 

DISEASES OF THE LIYER, SPLEEN, ETC. 

Jaundice — The Yellows 107 

Hepatitis — Inflammation of the Liver 108 

Enlargement of the Liver 109 

Flukes in the Liver — Rot Ill 

Splenic Apoplexy 112 

Chapter YIII. 

DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS, BLADDER, ETC. 

Nephritis — Inflammation of the Kidneys 115 

Diabetes Insipidus — Profuse Staling IIT 

Diabetes Mellitus 118 

Case of Diabetes 119 

Scanty Urine 119 

Retention of Urine 120 

Hcematuria — Bloody Urine 122 

Red Water 123 

Cystitis — Inflammation of the Bladder 124 

Calculi — Stones 126 

Stones in the Kidney 126 

Ureter 126 

Bladder 126 

Urethra 126 

" *' Prepuce 126 

Dysuria — Diflficulty in Urinating 127 

Case of Dysuria 127 



CONTENTS. 9 

Chapter IX, 
DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Abortion 128 

Slipping the Calf. 128 

Precautions against Abortion 130 

Premonitory Signs of Abortion, etc. 130 

Parturition ; Its Treatment 132 

General Treatment to follow Abortion 132 

Mechanical Means for Assisting Delivery 136 

Flooding after Delivery 136 

Retained Placenta 137 

Case of Retained Placenta 138 

The Early Treatment of Calves 138 

"VVeaning of Calves 139 

Metritis — Inflammation of the Womb 140 

Discharge from the Vagina 141 

Leucorrhoea, or Whites 141 

Gonorrhoea, or Clap 141 

Inflammation of the Prepuce 142 

Garget 142 

Phytolacca Decandra, Poke Weed 144 

Sore Teats 145 

Chapter X. 
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Bleeding from the Nose 147 

Nasal Catarrh — Coryza 148 

Ox Glanders 149 

Malignant Coryza 149 

Case of Catarrh in Pony 150 

Nasal Gleet 151 

Cases of Nasal Gleet 152 

Collections of Pus in the Nose 153 

Collections of Matter in Guttural Pouches 1 54 

General Remarks on Nasal Discharges 155 

Bots in Sheep 156 

Influenza 157 

Catarrhal Fever 157 

Epizootic Catarrh 157 



10 CONTENTS. 

Different Varieties of Influenza 159 

Congestion of the Lunges 162 

Strangles 161 

Irregular Strangles 162 

Case of Congestion of the Lungs 163 

Broncho Pneumonia 164 

Bronchitis — Inflammation of the Brenchial Tubes 164 

Pneumonia — Inflammation of the Lungs 167 

Pleura Pneumonia. 167 

Crepitation 169 

Case of Pneumonia 170 

Pleurisy — Inflammation of the Pleura 172 

Cases Pleurisy 174 

Case of Double Pnemonia and Pleurisy 175 

" Pleuro-Pneumonia in Horse 176 

" Typhoid Pneumonia 177 

" Pleuro-Pneumonia 178 

" Broncho-Pneumonia 179 

Abscess 181 

Case of Abscess 181 

Bleeding from the Lungs 181 

Case of Bleeding from the Lungs 182 

Hydrothorax — Dropsy of the Chest 182 

Tapping the Chest 183 

Chronic Cough 183 

Case of Chronic Cough 185 

Thick Wind — Broken Wind 186 

Roaring, Wheezing, Whistling 186 

Cough in General 188 

Classification of Coughs 1 90 

Cough from Dentition 191 

Pharyngeal Cough 191 

Laryngeal Cough 191 

Tracheal Cough 192 

Bronchial Cough 192 

Pulmonary Cough 193 

Broken-winded Cough 194 

Consumptive Cough 197 

Chronic Cough 197 

Remedies for Cough 199 



CONTENTS. 11 

Pleuro-Pneumonia in Cattle 208 

First Stage of Pleuro-Pneumonia in Cattle 210 

Second Stage '' " 211 

Third and Last Stage '* " 212 

Treatment of Pleuro Pneumonia 212 

Spasm of the Diaphragm 215 

Case of Spasm of the Diaphragm 215 

Parasites in the Lungs 216 

Hoose of Cattle 216 

Chapter XL 

DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

Palpitation 218 

Enlargement of the Heart 219 

Dilated Heart 220 

Pericarditfs 220 

Inflamed Heart 220 

Case of Inflamed Heart 222 

Chapter XII. 

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Rabies — Hydrophobia 224 

Canine Madness, Furious Form 224 

" ** Sullen Form 225 

Lockjaw , 226 

Tetanus 226 

Hysteria 230 

Cases of Hysteria 231 

Vertigo 232 

Giddiness • 232 

Megrims , 232 

Case of Giddiness 234 

Sheep Staggers 235 

Bladder form of Tape Worm in Sheep ; 235 

Sturdy, or Gid of Sheep 235 

Apoplexy 23*7 

Sunstroke — Coup de Soleil 238 

Staggers. 239 

Mad Staggers 239 



12 CONTENTS. 

Brain Fever '^^^ 

Frenzy 240 

Inflammation of the Brain 240 

Treatment of Giddiness, Apoplexy, Sunstroke, and Mad and Stom- 
ach Staggers, or Brain Fever 241 

Concussion of the Brain 245 

Water on the Brain 245 

Hydatids of the Brain 246 

Turnsick 246 

Facial Paralysis 248 

Hemiplegia 248 

Paralysis 248 

Paraplegia 249 

Stringhalt 250 

Chapter XIII. . 

DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

Ophthalmia 251 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye 251 

Injuries to the Eye 251 

Inversion of the Eyelid 252 

Trichiasis 252 

Periodic Ophthalmia 253 

Moon Blindness 253 

Cataract * 257 

Amaurosis 258 

Gutta Serena 258 

Chapter XIV. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

Parasitic Diseases 260 

Maggots in Sheep 260 

Warbles 261 

Ticks , 261 

Lice 261 

Phthiriasis 262 

Scabies 262 

Itch 262 

Mange 262 



CONTENTS. 13 

Erythematous Eruptions 266 

Erythema 267 

Saddlegall 267 

Sitfast 267 

Cracked Heels 26Y 

Chapped Teats. 267 

Urticaria 268 

Nettlerash 268 

Surfeit 268 

Papular Eruptions 269 

Lichen 269 

Prurigo 269 

Pustular Eruptions 270 

Impetigo 270 

Grease 270 

Proud Flesh, or Grapes 271 

Case of Grease 272 

Warts 272 

Mallenders 273 

Sallenders 273 

Chapter XV. 

ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Erysipelas 274 

Measles 275 

Scarlatina 276 

Variola 277 

Chapter XVI. 
CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 

Braxy in Sheep 281 

Gloss Anthrax 281 

Splenic Apoplexy 281 

Quarter Evil 282 

Black Leg ' 282 

Black Quarter 282 

Blue Disease 284 

Hog Cholera 284 

Carbuncular Diseases in Pig 284 



14 CONTENTS. 

Chapter XVII. 

WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

Incised Wounds 286 

Broken Knee 281 

Open Joint 289 

Poll Evil 290 

Fistulous Withers 292 

Bony Enlargements 292 

Nodes 292 

Bone Spavin 292 

Splint 293 

Sidebone 293 

Ringbone 298 

Case of Spavin 294 

** Ringbone 295 

Bursal Enlargements 295 

Thoroughpin 295 

Windgalls 295 

Bog Spavin' 296 

Capped Hocks, etc 296 

Capped Elbow 296 

Sprains 297 

of the Neck 297 

" Back 297 

" Shoulder 298 

" Hip 298 

" Stifle 298 

" Pelvis Bone 298 

Curb 298 

" Back Tendons 299 

Broken Down 299 

Cases of Sprains 300 

Bruises of the Leg and Foot 302 

Cutting and Brushing 302 

Speedy Cut 302 

Overreach 303 

Tread : 303 

Quittor 303 



CONTENTS. 15 

Chapter XVIII. 

DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Sweeny 305 

Glanders 306 

Farcy 308 

Treatment of Glanders and Farcy 311 

Rheumatism 313 

Chronic Rheumatism 314 

Lumbago 314 

Case of Rheumatism and Lumbago 315 

" *' Heart involved 316 

*' ** Acute Rheumatism 31*7 

Myalgia 318 

Case of Myalgia 319 

Purpura Hemorrhagica 320 

Case of Purpura • 321 

Puerperal Fever 325 

Dropping after Calving 325 

Milk Fever 325 

Treatment of Milk Fever 329 

Care of Cows during Milk Fever 331 

Case of Milk Fever 332 

Liver of the Ox 333 

Lymphatitis, or Weed 335 

Cellulitis 337 

Foot Rot in Sheep 337 

Ulceration of the Mouth 339 

Malignant Foot Rot 339 

Treatment of Foot Rot 340 

Groggy Lameness 342 

Navicular Disease 342 

Picture of Patent Shoe 344 

Thrush 345 

Rinderpest 347 

Cattle Plague of Great Britain , 347 

Spanish Fever 356 

American Rinderpest 855 

Texas Cattle Disease 355 



16 CONTENTS. 

Cow-pox 366 

Fractures 368 

Conformation of the Hock 375 

Spavin — Bone Spavin 377 

Splint 381 

Ringbone 386 

Contraction 388 

Corns 389 

Synovial Membranes 390 

Disease of the Horns 391 

Chapter XIX. 

REARING OF SHEEP, SWINE AND POULTRY. 

Various Breeds of Sheep, and their productive merits 393 

The Wool and its Peculiarities 399 

The General Management of Sheep 401 

Parturition of Sheep 404 

Early Treatment of Lambs 407 

Weaning of Lambs 410 

Use of Ewe's Milk 412 

Use of Sheep's Skin 413 

Teeth, as indications of Age in Sheep 413 

Shearing 416 

Breeding, Rearing, Weaning, etc. , of Pigs 416 

Preparatory Treatment, and Killing of Pigs 418 

Poultry 419 

Breeding, Rearing, and General Management of Poultry 423 

Feeding of Poultry for Market or Slaughter 433 

Ducks and Geese 435 

OfTurkeys 440 

Diseases Prevalent among Poultry 442 

APPENDIX. 

Table of the Medicines Prescribed in this Work 446 

List of External Applications 448 

Directions for Compounding Medicines 453 

Recipes 454 

Glossary 460 

Index 465 



HANDY BOOK 



OP 



YETERINAEY HOMOEOPATHY, 



WITH 



FORTY YEARS' EXPERIENCE. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



In using this work as a guide to the homoeopathic 
treatment of the diseases of our chief domesticated ani- 
mals, the reader is particularly requested to "mark, 
learn, and inwardly digest " the following observations : 
The rules respecting — 

How to select the remedy ; 

What dose to giye ; 

How often to giye the dose ; 
must be specially studied, and referred to, after having 
settled what the disease is, and what remedy is indi- 
cated. 

I. Examination of the Patient. 

This is the first thing to do when an animal is ill. 
The symptoms which it presents must be minutely 
inquired into, for two purposes : firstly, to determine the 
seat and nature of the disease ; and secondly, to obtain 
indications for the selection of the right remedy. At- 
tention to the following points will be of service : 

1. — The Organs of Circulation. 

(1.) The heart should be examined by the hand, ear, 
or stethoscope being placed on the left side, behind the 



20 INTRODUCTOKY REMARKS. 

elbow-joint, to ascertain the force and rhythm of its 
action, and the character of its sounds, whether natural, 
or unnatural. 

(2.) Important information is gained by learning the 
state of the pulse, — whether regular or irregular, soft or 
hard, frequent or slow, &c. 

The horse's pulse is best felt where an artery passes 
over the edge of the lower jaw, about three inches from 
the angle of that bone ; it may also be felt at the inner 
side of the leg, near the elbow-joint. 

In cows the pulse may be felt, as in the horse, at the 
jaw, or fore leg. A convenient place, in some cases of 
illness, is over the fore fetlock, exactly in front, in a line 
with the cleft of the foot. 

In smaller animals, the pulse may be felt on the inside 
of the arm, or thigh. 

The beats per minute of the pulse are, on an average, 
in health and adult life, in the horse, 36 ; in the ass and 
mule, 46 ; in the ox, 45 to 50 ; in sheep, goat, and pig, 
70 ; in dog, 90. 

It must not be forgotten, however, that the pulse 
varies somewhat from the healthy standard in all ani- 
mals, under the influence of various circumstances, inclu- 
ding age, size, temperament, breed, mode of feeding, 
domestication, &c. 

2. — The Eespiratory System. 

(1.) Ascertain if the nose is hot or cold ; dry or moist, 
covered or not with hardened mucus ; if there is sneezing, 
or offensive smell, or indications of polypoid growths or 
foreign bodies in the nostrils ; if there is discharge — its 



EXAMIlSrATION OF THE PATIENT. 21 

character, whether watery, gluey, mattery, or bloody ; 
if ulcers can be seen on the nasal membrane. 

(2.) The character of the breathing, — frequent, difficult, 
painful, labored, &c. 

In a healthy animal, in complete rest, the frequency 
of breathing is nearly in the proportion of one act of 
breathing to four beats of the pulse. In the horse, there 
are, taking an average, 10 acts of respiration in the min- 
ute — 15 in the ox — 15 in sheep — 20 in the dog — in 
smaller animals, higher. 

(3.) If the expectoration, when there is any, is scanty 
or abundant ; mucus or pus, or both ; if expelled easily, 
or with the aid of vomiting. 

(4.) If the cough is rare or frequent, painful, hoarse, 
croupy, barking, dry or moist, recent or chronic. 

(5.) If both sides of the chest expand equally during 
breathing, or if one side expands more than the other ; 
if pressure causes pain, flinching, and grunting. 

(6.) If the sound is clear or dull when the lungs are 
percussed ; if dull, noting the position. 

(7.) If, on listening to the chest, the sounds attendant 
on respiration are natural or morbid ; if the latter, ascer- 
taining their character and marking their site. 

8. — The Digestive System. 

(1.) If the teeth are all, or only in part cut ; rotten, 
broken, worn down, loose, black, incrusted with tartar, 
irregular, &c. 

(2.) If the tongue is bitten, swollen, inflamed, cut, or 
paralyzed on one side ; if furred ; moist or dry ; or altered 
in color ; or covered with vesicles, or ulcers. 



22 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

(3.) If the mouth is hot and dry, or cool and moist ; 
if the breath is offensive, or not ; if the mucous mem- 
brane is inflamed on the gums, in company with the 
peculiar odor of mercurial poisoning and salivation. 

(4.) If swallowing is difficult or painful, or attended 
with choking ; examining the throat internally for bones, 
polypus, &c., and externally for enlarged glands, &c., 
bronchocele, &c. 

(5.) If the stomach is disordered, as indicated by the 
appetite, thirst, vomiting, &c. ; the vomit being specially 
observed as to appearance and smell, and, if necessary, 
analyzed in cases of suspected poisoning. 

(6.) The size of the belly ; whether hard, or soft, or 
painful; dull or clear when percussed, or fluctuating 
when tapped ; containing tumors or foreign bodies ; if 
there is diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation, piles ; the 
character of the expelled excretions, as to color, consis- 
tence, quantity ; the existence of pregnancy. 

(7.) The size, position, and feel of the liver ; if there 
are indications of enlargement, or of jaundice. 

4. — Genito-Urhstary System. 

(1.) The functions of the uterus ; discharges from, or 
tumors connected with it. 

(2.) The state of the vagina; if the seat of polypus, 
cancer, ulceration, displacement, discharge, or injury. 

(3.) If the milk-glands or teats are tender, swollen, 
hard, cancerous, inflamed, ulcerated, or pocked, &c. 

(4.) If the penis or prepuce is inflamed or ulcerated ; 
or the seat of fungous growths, stones, &c. 

(5.) Note the way in which urine is voided, and 
whether there is, or is not, a discharge of blood. 



examination of the patient. 23 

5. — The Integumentary System. 

(1.) The skin, whether blotched, or mangy, or other- 
wise diseased ; if the disease is partial or universal ; the 
seat of morbid growth, dropsy, &c. ; if hot or cold. 

(2.) The state of the feet, nails, and pads. 

6. — The Nervous System. 

(1.) The shape and size of the head ; whether the scalp 
is injured, or the skull fractured. 

(2.) Insensibility, or profound coma. 

(3.) If the special senses of sight, hearing, &c., are 
diminished or lost ; noting at the same time the condition 
and color of the eye. 

(4.) If there are fits, convulsions, trembling, rigidity, 
palsy, or any peculiarity of movement when walking, 
such as avoiding, or rolling over obstacles in the way , 
or turning round and round. 

It would be easy to enlarge the objective symptoms 
of disease, but the above may prove sufiicient as finger- 
posts in aid of practical observation and accurate diag- 
nosis. 



II. How to Select the Remedies. 

The symptoms having been ascertained, and for the 
sake of reference, instruction, or publication, noted down 
from day to day, the next step is to select the proper 



24 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

remedy for the disease. Under the ^^ treatment " of each 
malady, a few remedies are given, with certain symptoms 
attached to each. That medicine, or those medicines, 
are to be given, whose symptoms correspond the most 
exactly with those of the disease. For instance, if the 
disease should be influenza. Aconite is to be given when 
the symptoms recorded in connection with it, are present 
in the patient; and Belladonna when the symptoms 
recorded after it, are present. Should the symptoms of 
both these medicines be present in the same case, then 
both medicines should be given, not mixed, but sepa- 
rately and in alternation. These instructions are appli- 
cable to every other disease. I may here remark that 
all the appropriate remedies are not mentioned, but only 
those that are generally useful in ordinary cases. 



III. The Remedies. 

' The medicines prescribed in this work, and used in 
my practice, are internal and external. 

The internal are in two forms : — 

(1.) Tinctures^ or alcoholic solutions of the remedy, 
varying in the dilution, usually the first decimal. 

(2.) Triturations^ in which the crude drug is minutely 
subdivided, by being rubbed up with a non -medicinal 
substance in certain fixed proportions. These are used 
less than tinctures. 

I sometimes give Pilules^ which are non-medicinal 
vehicles, saturated with a certain dilution of any given 



EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT. 



25 



medicine. They are specially suitable for small dogs, 
when it is necessary to give medicine, either from the 
dog refusing, or being unable, to take it. 

For the lists of the internal remedies and external 
applications, refer to the Appendix. 



IV. What Dose to Give. 



The following directions on this point apply to all the 
internal medicines mentioned in this work, and should be 
followed out, except when the dose is specially stated 
under the "treatment." 

The average doses for ordinary attacks of the diseases 
mentioned in this treatise are stated, in the body of this 
work, as '' 20 for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and 
pigs ; 4 to 10 for dogs." The following table will give at 
a glance the average dose for each of the animals named : — 



Horse, 20 drops 

Pony J 

Ass > 10 to 14 drops 

Mule 3 

Cow, adult, ...... 20 drops 

" 2 years old, ... 14 drops 
Calf, 10 drops 



Sheep, 10 drops 

Lamb, 4 drops 

Goat, 10 drops 

Dog, large, 10 drops 

" small, . . . . 2 to 4 drops 

Pig, 4 to 10 drops 

Cat, 1 to 2 drops 



In order to do away with the trouble and incon- 
venience of having to drop each dose when it is required, 
the best plan is to mix enough for one or two days. For 
instance, in the case of the horse and cow, drop 120 drops 
of the tincture into a perfectly clean bottle, add 4 wine- 
glassfuls of pure cold water, and cork up. Of this mix- 



26 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

tare give a wine-glassful, by means of a clean horn,^ as 
frequently as may be required. In the case of smaller 
animals, mix the dose, as stated above for each, with a 
teaspoonful of water ; thus, for a medium-sized dog, add 
24 drops of tincture to 6 teaspoonfuls of water, and 
give a teaspoonful when required. Each wine-glassful 
and each teaspoonful of the two mixtures thus made, 
will, of course, contain 20 drops and 4 drops respectively. 
Two medicines must never be mixed together. If two 
medicines are being given to the same horse or cow, two 
horns should be used — one for each medicine. 

In the sleepy stage of milk fever, instead of mixing 
with a wine-glassful of water, I use only a teaspoonful, — 
because in such cases swallowing is difficult or impossi- 
ble, and a small quantity of fluid is more readily absorbed 
by the mouth than a large quantity. • 

The triturations — the doses of which are stated in the 
body of the work — are given to horses in a handful of 
bran mash ; or, when it can be managed, in all animals, 
dry on the tongue. 



V. How often to Give the Dose. 

In acute cases, such as inflammation of the lungs, 
or in such as are attended with pain, or are evidently 
attended with great danger unless speedily checked, the 
medicine, or medicines, should be given frequently, — 
every quarter of an hour, half-hour, hour, or every two 
hours, according to the violence of the symptoms. When 

* Small horns, specially made, can be got from most homoeopathic chemiBts. 



EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT. 27 

the disease is within the remedial power of medicine, and 
the remedy is adapted to the disease, improvement will 
set in, in a majority of cases, after a very few doses. 
Then it follows that the medicine, or medicines, must be 
given less frequently than before. When two medicines 
are required to meet all the symptoms, each dose of them 
is to be given alternately ; for instance, if Aconite and 
Bryonia are both indicated, and if the severity of the 
disease necessitates their administration every hour, A. is 
to be given, say at the even hours, 2, 4, 6, and B. at the 
odd hours, 3, 5, 7, etc. And so with the others. • 

In old-standing cases, or in chronic diseases, the medi- 
cine may be given two, three or four times a day, 
according to circumstances. 



Short Notes on Nursing. 

When an animal is ill, it should, if possible, be placed 
by itself in a clean, well-ventilated, and moderately- 
warmed box, or stall. This is especially necessary in 
the case of catching diseases, as well as when noises are 
injurious, as in lock-jaw, or when the horse rolls about 
violently, as in colic. The excretions and soiled bedding 
should be removed as often as may be necessary. For 
horses, plenty of straw should be laid on the floor, 
particularly in colic, &c. Fresh hay, or clean wood 
shavings, form the best bed for sick dogs ; but pet dogs 
have usually a more elegant couch. 

When the skin is cold, and the hair rough and staring. 



38 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

sufficient clothing should be put on to ensure a comfort- 
able degree of warmth. The legs of the horse may also 
be swathed in flannel bandages, which should be removed 
occasionally, and, after hand-rubbing the legs, put on 
again. 

In diet, it is generally the safest and best course to 
follow the cravings of appetite. In acute cases, the 
appetite is impaired, or absent, and the animal will eat 
little or nothing, even when food is within his reach. 
As improvement sets in, in many cases of diseases, the 
appetite is more or less keen, and the patient is apt to 
gorge himself, and do himself serious injury. The rule 
is to give small quantities frequently, rather than a large 
quantity at long intervals. Hay is good at all times 
given in bits, provided it be good and clean. Cold water, 
or cold hay tea, in small, frequent sips, should not be 
forgotten. Bran mashes are good during most illnesses, 
and boiled linseed in sore throat and colds. Carrots and 
boiled oats, or barley, are always relished during recovery 
from any illness, as well as green food, when it can be got 

Occasionally it is necessary, when the animal is unable 
to eat, to give food by drench or injection. 

Eough usage is to be avoided, both for humanity's 
sake and for medical reasons. In tetanus, and some 
other diseases, an angry word, or rough handling, causes 
a great increase of suffering. 



OHAPTEE I. 
DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH. 



1.— The Teeth as Tests of Age. 

The process of dentition from early to advanced life, 
especially with respect to the order in which the different 
sets of teeth make their appearance through the gum, 
and the striking changes in their shape and marks, has 
been satisfactorily elucidated by several able investiga- 
tors. The information derived from an examination of 
the mouth furnishes reliable grounds, as a rule, for 
giving a trustworthy opinion on the animal's age ; and, 
in the case of the horse, an experienced man can speak 
with absolute exactness, except when the horse is aged. 

IN HORSES. 

In the foal, the two middle incisors, or front teeth of 
both jaws, are cut at birth, or they appear shortly 
afterwards. These are presently followed by three 
molars, or grinders, on each side of both jaws, and at the 
sixth week, by two other incisors in each jaw. At about 
the ninth month, the corner incisors are cut. When a 
year old the horse has, therefore, 12 molars and 12 



30 DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH. 

incisors. From the first to the second year, the teeth 
alread}^ cut are in full use and wear, and two more 
molars on each side of both jaws appear in succession. 
At two years there are, therefore, 12 incisors and 20 
molars, all temporary teeth. Between the second and 
third year these teeth begin to fall out and give way to 
the permanent set, which appear in the same order as the 
first set. The two middle incisors in the upper and lower 
jaw are the first to be replaced by stronger and larger 
permanent incisors, marked on the cutting surface by a 
deep, dark hollow ; from three to four, the next incisors 
above and below are replaced ; and from four to five, the 
corner incisors — making in all 16 permanent incisors. 
By four and a half, the temporary molars have gradually 
given way to corresponding permanent molars, and the 
sixth and last molar, a permanent tooth, appears, as well 
as the four tusks, or tushes, of the horse. At this period 
the full number of teeth are cut, viz., 44 in the horse, 40 
in the mare, and at five they are all in full wear, and 
undergoing, especially the incisors, those changes which 
furnish the best evidence of the animal's age. At six 
the lower middle incisors are without mark ; at seven 
the same change is found in the other incisors ; and at 
eight, all the black marks are worn out, even in the corner 
incisors. At a later period, the incisors become triangular 
on their cutting surface, and stand out straighter from 
the jaws. The marks are retained longer on the upper 
incisors, but they are less reliable than those on the lower 
as indications of age. The tushes, too, at first small and 
sharp, gradually, as age advances, become longer, blunter 
and yellower. In exceptional cases, one may meet with 
an old horse having a young mouth, as far as the shape 



THE TEETH AS TESTS OF AGE. 



31 



and marks of the incisors are concerned, but tlie changes 
above described generally hold good. It is important 
not to mistake the temporary for the permanent teeth, 
otherwise a two-year-old may pass for a five-year-old, 
with a " green " buyer. The permanent teeth are larger 
and darker, and have a furrow down the centre on the 
outer surface. 

IN OXEN. 

Oxen have eight incisors in the lower jaw, and in the 
upper no teeth, but instead, a '' pad" of elastic tissue ; 
and 24 molars. In early life, the age is ascertained by 
the times when the temporary are succeeded by the per- 
manent teeth, and later, by changes in the teeth them- 
selves, which become narrower, blunter and stumpy. 
In addition, count three for the space between the top 
ring on the ox's horn and the top, and one for each of 
the other rings. Professor Simonds gives the following 
table of the successive changes in the teeth of this 
animal : — 



TABLE OF EARLY AVERAGE 

IMPROVED BREEDS. 


TABLE OF LATE AVERAGE 

IMPROVED BREEDS. 


Years. Months. No. of Teeth. 


Years. Months. No. of Teeth. 


1 .. 9 .. 2 permanent 

incisors. 

2 .. 3 .. 4 

2 .. 8 .. 6 

3 .. 3 .. 8 


2 .. 3 .. 2 permanent 
incisors. 

2 .. 9 .. 4 

3 .. 3 .. 6 
3 .. 9 .. 8 



IN SHEEP. 



In the sheep, also, the age is determined partly by the 
shedding of the temporary for tlie permanent teeth, and 



32 DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH. 

partly by the wearing appearance of the teeth themselves. 
On an average, at one year the central pair of temporary 
incisors are replaced by the permanent — at one and a half, 
the second pair — at two and a half, the third — and at 
three, the fourth pair. 

IN PIGS. 

F At the first month, there are four incisors, and three 
temporary molars on each side of both upper and lower 
jaw. At three months, two more incisors appear in each 
jaw, and this completes the temporary set. In some, at 
about the sixth month, false tushes appear in both jaws 
in front of the molars. At the sixth month, the fourth 
molar is through. At nine months, the permanent corner 
incisors and permanent tushes are cut, and the fifth molar 
on each side. At twelve months, the middle incisors 
are replaced, as well as the temporary molars. At, or 
about the eighteenth month, the process is completed in 
the pig by the appearance of the side incisors, and sixth 
and last molar. 



2.— Irregularities of the Teeth. 

One of the most common irregularities occurs during 
growth, when one incisor projects from the jaw instead 
of being side by side with the others. The term " buck " 
tooth is applied to this condition. The remedy is remo- 
val. In some cases a temporary tooth has to be drawn 
in order to make room for the proper placing of a per- 



IRREaULARITIES OF THE TEETH. 33 

manent one. A supernumerary tooth — '^wolf's" tooth 
— sometimes appears in front of the molar set in either 
jaw ; when it interferes with chewing, it should be 
extracted. An outgrowth of bony substance from a 
tooth has been met with, and should be chipped off if 
it cause any inconvenience. The molars are often irreg- 
ular. One, instead of coming through the ridge of the 
gum, may protrude through the roof of the mouth, and 
when long, injure the tongue and prevent eating and 
chewing. From irregular wearing of the surface of the 
molars, the edges of these teeth become sharp and jagged, 
causing wounds of the inside of the cheek or tongue, and 
interfering with chewing. These sharp edges should be 
rasped down. Occasionally, the excessive growth of a 
molar leads to injury of the upper jaw, followed by 
inflammation and ulceration, with offensive discharge 
from the nose, swelling of the face, and impaired chewing. 
Such a tooth should be rasped down or drawn. 

In rasping, or drsfwing the teeth of animals, instruments 
made for the purpose must be used, and a veterinary 
surgeon called in to handle them. 



3.— Painful and DiJOacult Teething. 

IN HORSES, OXEN, &c. 

In some horses the process of teething gives rise 
generally to much disturbance, especially in the case of 
the tushes. There is a certain amount of feverishness, 
attended with refusal to eat, difficulty and pain in chew- 
ing, disorder of the bowels, and even colic, passage of 



34 DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH. 

uncrushed oats, irritating cough, loss of flesh and condi- 
tion, &c. The gum is found to be hot, painful and 
swollen. 

Treatment. 

Belladonna is the best remedy when the animal is 
feverish and suffers much pain, and when the gums are 
tender to the touch. 

Oalcarea is of use when the teeth are slow in appear- 
ing, as the result of constitutional weakness. 

Doses. — 20 drops of these medicines, night and morning, for the 
horse and cow; LO drops for sheep and pig. 

There are cases where it is necessary at once to remove 
the urgent symptoms by freeing the tooth, which is done 
by cutting through the gum cross- wise over the tooth. 
Also, pull out loose or superfluous teeth. 



4. — Caries— Decayed Teeth. 
IN HORSES. 

The incisors never, the molars frequently are rotten. 
This is indicated by a peculiarly offensive smell issuing 
from the mouth, by slavering, by swelling, redness and 
pain of the gum around the diseased tooth, by a black 
spot or cavity in the tooth, and by accumulation of foul 
food in its vicinity. There are fits of toothache, espe- 
cially when it is the third molar that is affected. When 
the three last molars are decayed, and the gum inflames, 
the matter resulting therefrom makes its way into the 
maxillary sinuses, and thence flows through the nose, 
giving rise to much local disturbance, general irritative 



CARIES — DECAYED TEETH. 35 

fever, most offensive stench, and presenting a condition 
which has often been mistaken for glanders. In some 
cases of decayed molars, in addition to other symptoms, 
one eye is inflamed and watery. Sometimes the abscess 
bursts on the surface, and then we have to deal with that 
troublesome state known as Fistula of the face, A dis- 
eased lower molar may set up inflammation of the lower 
jaw, with enlargement of the bone, and mattery discharge 
— a condition which I have seen more than once, and 
cured by the extraction of the offending tooth, followed 
by general and local treatment. The teeth should be 
carefully examined in all cases of pain and swelling of 
the bones of the face and jaws, particularly if accompa- 
nied by nasal discharge and imperfect chewing. 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

The symptoms are those given above, and the same 
general treatment should be carried out. 

Treatment. 

It is essential at once to extract diseased teeth, and if 
the contiguous bone is diseased to give Silicea, in 20 
drop doses three times a day. If matter has discharged 
on the skin, keep the part thoroughly clean by washing 
with warm water, and treat locally for fistula, as directed 
in the remarks on that subject. 



5.— Toothache. 

IN HORSES. 

When a horse shows from his conduct that he is suf- 
fering pain, and when he refuses his food, or cannot chew 



36 TOOTHACHE. 

it properly, hangs his head, and is worse in these respects 
after drinking cold water, he may have a rotten tooth, 
or be suffering from some other unnatural condition of 
the mouth. 

IN OXEN, &c. 

The symptoms are much the same. In all animals 
the only treatment is to pull out the diseased teeth. 



General Symptoms of Diseased Teeth. 

Animals suffering from diseased or irregular teeth 
present some, or all of the following symptoms : — The 
food is not chewed thoroughly, but after having been 
partly gi'ound down, is thrown out Horses *' quid " 
their hay and bolt theii' corn, which is seen in the dung 
uncrushed. The result is, that partly from constant pain 
and partly from loss of nourishment, the animal gets dull, 
thin and hide-bound, and then is apt to suffer from 
colic, or some other disease incited by its low condition. 
Some of the consequences of diseased teeth to the parts 
adjacent, in setting up irritation, inflammation and 
nasal discharge have been already referred to. In caries, 
there is a most disgusting smell issuing from the mouth, 
attended with increased flow of saliva, indications of 
acute pain, and swelling and redress of the gum around 
the diseased tooth, Whenever these symptoms are met 
with, a careful examination of the mouth should not be 
neglected. 



CHAPTER II. 
DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 



1.— Aphtha— Thrush. 
IN HORSES. 

Thrasli is occasionally met with in the horse, although 
less frequently than in other animals. It consists in an 
eruption of small vesicles on the mucous membrane 
lining the mouth. When the fluid in these vesicles is 
discharged, small ulcers are observed, and this ulcerated 
condition may be somewhat widely spread, from the 
small ulcers running together. The lining of the mouth 
peels off, leavi^ below a tender surface, which prevents 
the animal from eating as usual. On examining the 
mouth, these appearances are observed on the tongue, 
lips, inside of the cheeks and gums. In the horse, 
thrush is sometimes accompanied by strangles. It 
arises in all cases either from the local irritant action 
of improper food, or acrid plants, or as* the result of 
constitutional disorder. 

IN OXEN. 

In oxen, thrush is often observed. The symptoms 
are the same as those found in the horse, with the addi- 



38 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

tion of a more profuse discharge of stringy slaver from 
the mouth. Thrush is not '' foot and mouth disease : " 
it is not contagious, does not spread like an epidemic 
(epizootic in the lower animals), and is not associated 
with disease of the teats and feet ; by these differences 
simple thrush may be known from the more serious 
murrain. It should also be distinguished from the rin- 
derpest, in which disease there is a peculiar thrush-like 
condition of the mouth and lips. Oxen do not chew 
the cud as usual. 

IN SHEEP. 

Sheep, also, are often attacked with thrush, the most 
frequent cause being, in them as in oxen, eating acrid 
irritating plants. It is found associated with foot-rot in 
some cases. For the symptoms, read the above descrip- 
tion. 

Treatment. 

In all cases begin with Kali Chloricum, 
If, after giving this remedy for a few days, no improve- 
ment is manifest, substitute Mercurius, '* 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and cow, thrice a day ; 10 drops for 
pig and sheep. 



2.— Inflammation of the Mouth and Tongue. 

IN HORSES. 

It has been known to follow the internal administra- 
tion of turpentine in too large doses, and it occasionally 



INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH. 39 

arises from other more obscure causes. The whole of 
the mouth is more or less affected with redness, pain and 
swelling, and throughout the progress of the disease there 
is much febrile excitement. In course of time, the lining 
membrane of the mouth peels off, and the parts are left 
raw and sore, and extensive ulceration and even gangrene 
may result. There is copious discharge of mucus. In 
some cases the tongue is more severely inflamed than 
the other parts of the mouth — then it is swollen and 
hangs out, and in bad cases, matter forms in it, or it is 
left hard, stiff and enlarged. When the tongue is much 
swollen, swallowing is difficult, and the breathing so 
impeded as to threaten choking. One of the most 
frequent causes of inflamed tongue in the horse is inju- 
ries resulting from violence in giving balls, or from the 
animal biting his tongue. 

IN OXEN. 

The causes are the same as in the horse, and it may 
also follow the administration of hartshorn given to 
cattle suffering from hove. The symptoms and treat- 
ment of this disease in the ox, and other animals, are 
those given above and below. 

Treatment. 

Aconite should be given at first when the animal is 
feverish, the mouth dry and red, and the tongue swollen 
aud painful. 

Arnica is indicated when the inflammation has resulted 
from injuries. Arnica lotion"^ may also be applied 
locally. 

* See list of local applications. 



40 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

Mercurius may be given with good results when, as 
a result of acute, unchecked inflammation, the tongue 
is hard and much swollen ; also, when there is great 
dribbling, difficulty of swallowing, and redness and raw- 
ness of the mouth generally. 

Hepar Sulphuris may be required when matter is form- 
ing in the tongue. 

Arsenicum is the best remedy when gangrene threatens. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and cow, every 2 or 3 hours ; 10 for 
sheep and pig. 

In addition, if suffocation be imminent on account of 
the great swelling of the tongue, and if matter have 
formed, incisions should be made into the tongue. 
Plenty of cold water should be allowed, together with 
gruel, linseed tea, &c., and if necessary, thin fluid foods 
should be given by drench. ^ ^^ 



3.— Protrusion of the Tongue. 

IN HORSES, OXEN, &c. 

This is a symptom of paralysis, weakness of the 
muscles of the tongue, and of injuries. Paralysis of the 
lips on one side sometimes co-exists, resulting from local 
injury to the nerves distributed to the parts. The lower 
lip then hangs down, and food is picked up with diffi- 
culty ; there is also more or less slavering. Of course, 
the tongue is very liable to be severely injured when it 
falls between the front teeth, and repeated injuries of this 
kind may result in troublesome wounds or ulcers. 



INJUKIES ABOUT THE MOUTH. 41 

Treatment. 

When arising from injuries, give Arnica. 

When a symptom of paralysis, the most likely medi- 
cine to do good is Nux Vomica. 

The last medicine failing to improve after a month's 
course, trv Belladonna. 

Doses. — 20 drops, night and morning, for horse and cow ; 10 for 
sheep and pigs. 

Grenerally, the tongue must be shortened, otherwise it 
is continually falling between the teeth and getting in- 
jured. 



4. — Injuries about the Mouth, Tongue, &c. 
IN HORSES. 

The tongue may be injured by the forcible and awk- 
ward administration of balls and drinks, and the fringe 
of membrane which connects the under surface of the 
tongue with the floor of the mouth may be torn. The 
lower jaw and angle of the lips are sometimes hurt, and 
even a portion of the tongue severely crushed, by bits, 
or rough usage in riding or driving. Rough, irregular, 
too long teeth may tear the tongue, or bruise the cheeks 
and palate. Needles, thorns, sharp bones may stick in 
the tongue, or mouth. In cart horses, particularly, by 
the absurd use of bearing-reins, the angle of the mouth 
3 



42 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

is bruised, and an abscess forms, which may break in the 
inside or outside. 

The tongue is also liable to injury when it protrudes 
from the mouth, as has been already mentioned above. 

Treatment. 

In all cases apply Arnica lotion'^ three or four times 
a day, and Calendula lotion^ for open wounds, cuts, &c. 
Eemove foreign bodies. When ulcers form, give Hepar 
jSulph. 

Doses.— 20 drops for horse and oxen; 10 for sheep and pigs. 



5. — The Lampas in the Horse. 

By this name is called a swelling, more or less painful, 
of the bars of the roof of the mouth, behind the front 
teeth, generally on a level with the teeth's surface, some- 
times projecting lower. It is not a specific disease, but 
a symptom connected with the shedding of the teeth in 
young horses, or with disordered stomach. It interferes 
with feeding and chewing, causes the horse to be off his 
feed, and is usually attended with some degree of fever- 
ishness. 

Treatment. 

Let it alone, or treat as for "Difiicult Teething," (pa^e 
34), or " Indigestion," (which see) according to the symp- 
toms present. If any one recommends '' burning," ask 
to have the same measure tried on the roof of his mouth. 



*■ See list of local applications. 



SALIYATION, EANULA, ETO. 43- 

6. — Salivation. 

IN HORSES, OXEN, SHEEP, &e. 

Excessive dribbling of slaver from the mouth has 
already been alluded to, as a prominent symptom in 
inflammatory diseases of the mouth, &c. It has been 
observed from eating grass containing mustard, and from 
the use of mercury, internally or externally. 

Treatment. 

• Remove the cause, frequently inject cold water into 
the mouth, and when it does not arise from mercury, 
give MercuTius ; when it does, Hepar Sulph, 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and ox; 10 for sheep and pigs— one 
dose three times a day. 



7. — Ranula. 

Eanula consists in obstruction and distension of the 
duct of one of the glands which secretes saliva, under 
the tongue, on one or on both sides. When large, it is 
very troublesome. 

Treatment. 

Open with the lancet. Give. 20 drops oi Mercurius^ 
three times a day. If necessary, dress the wound with 
Calendula lotion/^ 



8.— Osteo-Sarcoma of the Lower Jaw in Oxen. 

This is the scarcely accurate name of a disease aftbct- 
ing the lower jaw, sometimes the ribs also, of young 

* See list of local applications. 



ii DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

cattle, and of steers oftener than bulls. The favorite seat 
is that part of the lower jaw where the second and third 
molars are attached. Occasionally, but rarely, the upper 
jaw is affected. It begins in the form of a small, painful 
swelling, w^hich grows either rapidly or slowly, and is 
attended with gradually increasing pain. The bone 
becomes seriously involved, the teeth become loose or rot, 
and fall out, whilst the pain and impeded chewing induce 
wasting. It is very common in some parts of Italy, 
especially in low-bred cattle. 

Treatment, 

The only likely means of effecting a thorough cure is 
to remove the swelling as soon as it appears. If ope- 
ration should fail, call in the butcher. 



9. — Gloss- Anthrax — Blain. 

This is one of the family of the " anthrax " diseases, 
so common and so fatal amongst cattle, sheep and pigs. 
In its nature it is a putrid fever, in which the blood is 
poisoned with a poison derived from other animals, or 
self-bred from various causes ; and I mention it in this 
place, instead of classing it with the other maladies of the 
same character, because it is signalized by the breaking 
out of a foul and malignant carbuncle in the tongue 
or mouth. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

Formerlj^ this disease was much more common m\ 
than it is now, but it is still not unfrequently met ■ 
with in some parts of Ireland and Scotland. On the 
continent it is well known as the most rife of all anthrax 



GLOSS-ANTHRAX— BLAIN. 45 

diseases, and as occasionally assuming an epizootic form, 
and then spreading with great severity and virulence. 
The course of the disease is very rapid. There are no 
signs of warning. It begins suddenly, with white pus- 
tules on the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, inside of 
the cheeks, &c., which gradually increase in size. There 
is generally one large pustule on the tongue, where the 
local mischief is most centered. The pustules then be- 
come red and angry-looking, and finally, as gangrene 
advances, purple and black, and foul with sloughs, or, 
in bad cases, the tongue falls out in a lump. All this 
may take place in a few hours, and death in fi'om 18 to 
30 from the onset. In addition to these local symptoms, 
the constitutional disturbance is great, the animal languid 
and drowsy, and the powers of life profoundly prostrated. 
Sheep are less liable to this disease than oxen. 

IN PIGS. 

This animal is peculiarly subject to several forms of 
putrid fever, attended with outbreaks of carbuncular 
swellings, including a malady identical with cattle and 
sheep gloss-anthrax. The symptoms observed in the pig 
are trembling and uneasiness, anxious, frightened look, 
loss of appetite, hot mouth and thirst, with dribbling of 
mucus from the mouth, and febrile excitement. The 
appearance of a vesicular or pustular eruption in the 
mouth is somewhat similar to that found in cattle, as 
well as the tendency to ulceration, sloughing and gan- 
grene of the tongue and mouth, the great prostration, 
and the rapid death. Bloody, offensive diarrluea fre- 
quently comes on towards the last. 



46 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 



Treatment. 



1 



No time should be lost in treating this disease, and 
even when treatment is begun early, it may prove fatal 
from its rapidity and virulence. The diseased animal 
should be separated from healthy ones, and the same man 
should not attend upon both. He should be careful not 
to get inoculated with the matter from the mouth. 
Nourishing food should be given throughout, — by 
drench, if necessary. 

Tartarus Emeticus is the best medicine to begin with, 
when the mouth is covered with white pustules. 

Mercurius Biniod is the best when the disease is more 
advanced — the tongue and mouth covered with angry 
ulcers, from the pustules bursting — when there is reddish 
and offensive discharge — and swelling of the neck and 
throat, with difficulty of swallowing. 

Arsenicum^ when gangrene threatens, and the animal 
is drowsy and prostrated. 

Doses. — 2 grains of the above medicines every one or two hours ; 
as the symptoms yield, every four hours. For sheep and pigs 
1 grain. 

Sulphurous acid lotion^ should be frequently applied, 
both to annul the bad smell, to destroy the contagious 
property of the discharge, and to avert the tendency to 
sloughing and gangrene. If there be one large carbun- 
cle, it should be freely opened with the lancet, and then 
dressed with the lotion — especially if it be true, as some 
maintain, that the disease is local at first, and only infects 
the system at large by the virus being absorbed. 



* See list of local applications. 



MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE. 47 

10.— The Mouth and Foot Disease. 

The other names of this disease are — epizootic aphtha 
— epizootic eczema, the murrain, the epidemic, &c. 

Outbreaks of this disease in different countries are 
recorded by various writers, during the past two centu- 
ries, as having occurred in horses, oxen, sheep, pigs, 
goats, wild animals, and even in man. It first appeared 
in Britain, in or about the year 1840, and has since 
prevailed more or less severely. Some maintain that 
it was imported there with diseased cattle from infected 
districts, and that it never spreads except by direct con- 
tagion ; whilst others ascribe its appearance and fluctu- 
ating prevalence to a peculiar condition of the atmos- 
phere, and pertinently ask where the first case came from. 
The contagionist and the non-contagionist are still 
engaged in contesting the correctness of each other's 
opinion. A good deal can be said on both sides, fitting 
in with facts ; and the question may be regarded as finally 
settled, when the former can satisfactorily explain the 
origin of disease in the first instance, and the fleeting 
visits and final disappearance of the most virulent of 
human and brute pests. 

IN OXEN. 

A period called the period of incubation or breeding, 
varying from one to four days, intervenes between expo- 
sure to the cause and the first appearance of illness. The 
symptoms of this, \he first stage^ are as follows: dullness, 
loss of appetite, shivering, diminution of urine, hot skin, 
trembling of the muscles of the legs, the snout dry^ the 
head supported on the manger. The mouth is dry and 



48 MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE. 

hot, red and painful to the touch ; the saliva next becomes 
stringy and abundant ; the teeth are ground ; and the 
breath stinks. If the eruption is going to appear around 
the hooves and in the interdigital spaces, the animal 
stamps with impatience and is restless, and brings its legs 
under its belly, so as to relieve them from the weight 
of its body ; it also rests much, and is loth to rise. In 
cows, when the eruption is about to appear on the teats 
or udder, these parts are found to be red, painful and 
swollen, and milking is painful and not quietly submit- 
ted to. 

In the second stage^ the fever subsides and the eruption 
appears on the mucous membrane of the mouth, lips, 
gums, tongue, cheeks, and the muzzle, wings of the nose, 
as well as on the coronets, and in cows, on the udder. 
The vesicles vary in size from that of a millet seed to a 
lentil, are raised in the middle, and are either arranged 
singly, or run together into a patch ; they contain at first 
a clear fluid, which afterw^ards becomes thicker and 
opaque. When these vesicles burst, the fluid is dis- 
charged along with the increased flow of saliva, and the 
surface underneath is seen to be vividly red, and some- 
times ulcerated. The animal is constantly licking its 
nose with its tongue and smacking its lips, and, from the 
tender state of the mouth, cares little to seize and chew 
its food. When the eruption appears on the feet, the 
coronet is swollen and painful, the animal is very lame, 
the vesicles soon burst, and frequently the entire hoof 
drops off. The vesicles on the teats are larger and raised, 
but not pointed in the centre ; they are usually surround- 
ed by a red ring, soon burst, and dry into scabs, w^hich 
peel off gradually. If the cow be milked, the crusts on 



MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE. 49 

the teats are rubbed off by the milker's hand, trouble- 
some ulcers are apt to follow, the milk is not all removed 
in consequence of the cow's restlessness, it is mixed with 
blood, and afterwards with matter, and at last inflamma- 
tion comes on, which may end in death, or the loss of a 
portion of the udder. 

In the third stage^ the disease either abates, or increases. 
In the former case, the mucous surface and the skin pre- 
viously occupied by the eruption heals and resumes its 
natural condition and appearance, the appetite returns, 
and all the other functions of the body are restored to 
their healthy state. When the disease gets worse, ulce- 
ration takes place, the hoofs drop off, irritative fever 
continues, the breathing is quick, an offensive discol- 
ored discharge dribbles from the mouth, sometimes 
collections of matter appear on different parts of the 
body, and death, often preceded by purging, follows 
from exhaustion. 

Such are the chief symptoms of a disease, which, some- 
times very mild, sometimes very violent, always inflicts 
severe los^ on stock owners from its causing loss of 
condition and of milk rather than from its fatality. 

It has been satisfactorily proved that this disease does 
not prevent an attack of the lung disease, nor the latter 
an attack of the former. 

There are numerous facts on record both for and 
against its contagiousness, and all that can now be said 
is that this point is undecided. Many strong conta- 
gionists have been compelled to change their opinion. 

Some writers state that not only has aphtha exten- 
sively prevailed in man at the same time as in the lower 
animals, but they have declared that the milk of diseased 
3* 



50 MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE. 

COWS was the sole channel of communicating the disease. 
Reynal suggests that those who have had an eruption in 
the mouth from drinking the milk of an aphthous cow, 
caught, not genuine aphtha, but an eruptive disease 
having analagous characters to cow-pox ; and this is all 
the more probable, seeing that cow aphtha is something 
complicated with what the Germans call false cow-pox 
(falsche-poken). On this, and all other like questions 
connected with the alleged transmission of some diseases 
of brutes.to man, there is much obscurity and no little 
romance. It appears to be positively proved that the 
flesh of an aphthous cow does not disease man. 

IN SHEEP AND PIGS. 

The symptoms and course of the disease are substan- 
tially the same as in the cow, except that the first stage 
is shorter, and that usually the whole duration is about 
eight days, instead of varying from eight to sixteen, as 
in oxen. The hoofs are very frequently cast off, and 
condition not quickly recovered. 

Treatment. 

In the first stage, when the animal is feverish — a con- 
dition made known by shivering, loss of appetite, quick 
pulse, and other symptoms already mentioned, give 
Aconite. 

When the eruption breaks out in the mouth and on the 
udder, and both parts present the appearance described 
above, give Mercurius, 

Another valuable remedy for the eruptive stage, espe- 
cially when unhealtliy ulceration threatens to come on. 



II 



MOUTH AND FOOT DISEASE. 51 

and when there is purging, shedding of the hoofs, and 
great weakness, is Arsenicum. 

Phosphoric Acid may prove of service in the last stage. 

Kali Bichromicum is more especially suitable when 
the nose is principally involved, and collections of mat- 
ter appear in different parts of the body. I have also 
used Carbolic Acid with success in this phase of the 
disease. 

Tartar Emetic I have used in some cases with good 
effects when Mercurius has been used without much 
benefit. 

When, in addition to the mouth affection, the udder 
is severely inflamed, — red, tender and swollen, give 
Belladonna in turn with Mercurius, 

Doses.— 20 drops of the above medicines for cattle; 10 for 
sheep and pigs ; each dose every three hours. 

Local Applications. — The feet should be kept thor- 
oughly clean by being bathed three times a day with 
warm water, and after each cleansing, apply the follow- 
ing lotion around the tops of the hoofs 4ind in the inter, 
digital spaces : Kali Ghloricum^ 2 drams ; Glycerine^ 8 
fluid ounces ; water, 8 ounces, — all to be well rubbed 
together. 

The milk should be regularly drawn off, either with 
the hand, or by means of teat tubes, and the sores dressed 
with a lotion composed of Tincture of Calendula^^ or a 
salve made of l-lb. butter, 1 oz. Oil Origamtm^ \ oz. 
Tincture of Iodine, 

Food. — Daring the disease, and afterwards when the 



* See list of local applications. 



52 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

mouth is tender, the diet should consist of grnel and 
mashes. 



11.— Mumps. 

This disease consists of inflammation of the parotid 
gland. 

IN HORSES. 

In addition to the parotid, the gland on the inner 
side of the lower jaw-bone may likewise be inflamed. 
This especially happens in strangles. In ordinary cases, 
after exposure to cold, or from some other cause, the ani- 
mal becomes feverish, off his feed, thirsty, &c. ; then 
symptoms of sore throat come on — cough, difficulty and 
evident pain in swallowing, and some obstruction to the 
breathing. The gland, usually on one side, sometimes on 
both, swells and becomes hard and painful to the touch. 
The swelling does not go on to the formation of matter, 
but remains hard for some time. 

IN OXEN. 

Mumps is perhaps seen more frequently in oxen than 
in horses, especially in winter, during stall feeding. 

Treatment. 

Foment with hot water for half an hour, three times a 
day, and after each fomentation apply a hot bran poultice. 

Two medicines are generally sufficient in this disease : 
Belladonna and Mercurius^ six times a day, four hours 
between each dose. 

Dose. — 20 drops in a teaspoonful of water. 

When the swelling is so large as to press upon the 
throat and upper part of the windpipe, and so render 



JOINT OF LOWER JAW OPENED. 53 

breathing difficult, it may be necessary to avert the dan- 
ger of suffocation, by opening the windpipe. 



12. — Joint of Lower Ja-w Opened. 

IN HORSES AND OXEN. 

A blow may open the joint between the lower jaw and 
the temporal bone of the skull. The part is painful and 
swollen, and a glairy discharge escapes, consisting of joint 
oil. If care be not taken, the joint inflames, matter 
runs out, and the bone becomes diseased. Stiffness of 
the joint may remain, preventing mastication, and thus 
leading on to starvation. 

Treatment. 

Keep the jaws fixed by a head-collar furnished with a 
strap going round the face and lower jaw above the 
openings of the nose ; feed on fluids until the wound is 
firmly healed up ; constantly dust on powdered lime when- 
ever the fluid exudes ; and give 20 drops of Silicea^ three 
times a day. 



CHAPTER III. 
DISEASES OF THE THROAT, 



1.— Sore Throat— Inflamed Throat. 
IN HORSES. 

Sore tliroat is the name commonly applied to an 
inflammatory condition of the back of the mouth, which 
is more or less affected throughout its entire extent. It 
is generally associated with, and is a prominent symptom 
of inflammation of the larynx, although it may exist as 
an independent disorder. It very often attacks young 
horses out of condition when brought out of the farmer's 
hands and put into hot, ill-ventilated stables, and when 
they are sent to work and placed on unusually good food. 
This change in their stabling, work, and feeding, predis- 
poses them to be acted upon by exposure to the weather, 
and sore throat is induced, or some more serious disease 
of the breathing organs. 

In simple sore throat there is some febrile excitement, 
with loss of appetite, thirst, &c., followed by hard, dry 
cough, difl&culty of swallowing, quick breathing, and 
swelling of the throat externally, as well as tenderness 
when it is handled. The glands under the jaw and below 



ii 



SORE THROAT — INFLAMED THROAT. 55 

the ears are hot, tender and swollen. Subsequently, 
the cough is looser, a discharge flows from the nose, and 
the mouth contains a frothy fluid. 

In the majority of cases these symptoms gradually 
subside until health is regained, or symptoms of laryn- 
gitis, or of bronchitis come on. 

Sometimes the inflammation extends to the guttural 
pouches, and then, if matter should form, as is occasion- 
ally the case, there may be great obstrnction to the 
breathing. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

Sore throat is most common in these animals when 
they graze on damp lands, during cold springs and 
autumns. In some seasons sore throat is exceedingly 
prevalent amongst cattle. The symptoms are much the 
same as in the horse. We find the same feverishness, 
difficulty in swallowing, pain and swelling of the throat, 
and, in addition, there is no chewing of the end. 

Treatment. 

At the beginning of the attack, when the animal is 
feverish, the pulse and breathing qnickened, the mem- 
brane of the eye and nose red and injected, the throat 
tender, and swallowing painful. Aconite will suffice, if 
given early, to arrest the further course of the disease, 
in a large number of cases. 

Belladonna is best for a later stage, when the inflam- 
mation is more firmly established, and is indicated by 
swelling and tenderness of the glands and throat exter- 
nally, great difficulty and pain in swallowing, — so much 
so as to cause fluids to return by the nose ; and by a 
discharge of stringy saliva from the mouth. The exist- 



56 DISEASES OF THE THKOAT. 

ence of a dry, irritating cough is an additional indication 
for its use. 

If the last medicine should make no decided impression 
on the disease, Mercurius should be substituted, or the 
two medicines may be given in turn, in the same doses, 
every two or three hours, according to the urgency of the 
symptoms. This medicine is indicated by somewhat the 
same symptoms as Belladonna. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and ox ; 10 for sheep and pig ; 4 to 10 
for dog. Each dose to be given every two, three, or four hours. 

If there be much external swelling and tenderness, 
foment three times a day with hot water, and afterwards 
apply a good-sized hot bi^an poultice to the throat. Give 
cold water and gruels of linseed and oat-meal, and have 
the stable well ventilated. 

The two following cases are good illustrations of this 
disease and its treatment : — 

Case I. 

October 26th, 1856. — Symptoms — Pulse 84, and small ; respira- 
tion 48, and blowing j nasal membrane vascular 3 almost constant 
eftbrts to swallow, each effort being attended with a clucking sound ? 
frequent hard ringing cough ; mouth full of tough saliva, which 
hangs in strings from the palate when the jaws are separated ; 
submaxillary glands swollen and tender ; legs and ears cold ; urine 
scanty and high colored ; appetite bad ; tongue foul ; faeces lumpy 
and glazed with mucus. 

To have 20 drops of first dilution of Belladonna^ and 20 drops of 
Mercurius^ every three hours, alternately. 

27th. — Pulse 72 ; respiration 40 ; glands larger ; difficulty in 
swallowing fluids, part of which returns by the nostrils. Continue 
medicines. 

28th. — Pulse 64 ; respiration 40 ; glands larger. Hepar Sulplmris 
20 drops three times a day. 



SOKE THKOAT — INFLAMED THROAT. 57 

29th. — Slight discharge of a dirty white color from nostrils ; 
glands soft and fluctuating ; lanced them, but no matter came out« 
Continue medicines. 

31st. — Pulse 60 ; respiration 28 ; copious discharge from the nose j 
some matter from lanced gland ; can swallow better ; appetite 
improved. Continue medicines. 

November 4th. — Discharge from nose almost ceased; improving 
generally ; lanced other gland, and let out a large quantity of thin, 
pale yellow matter. Same medicine twice a day. 

8th.--Cured. 

Case II. 

October 28th, 1858. — Symptoms — Pulse 80 and full ; respiration 
48 ; difficulty of swallowing; refuses food on account of the pain 
attending swallowing; submaxillary glands Considerably enlarged 
and tender ; mouth full of tough saliva ; very violent cough ; loud 
crowing at every inspiration ; there is evidently a sense of suffoca- 
tion, as the horse every now and then stamps the ground with his 
fore-feet, and tosses his head about; anxious expression, &c. To 
have Ammon. caust. every three hours. 

29th. — Pulse 64 ; respiration 36 ; less wheezing ; rough sound in 
trachea; cough still frequent and inspiration crowing; fluid returns 
in part by the nose ; mouth full of slimy, tenacious mucus. To 
have Belladonna every three hours. 

November 1st. — Yesterday Hepar sulph. was given ; copious 
discharge from both nostrils of a thin matter, mixed with small 
specks of lymphy substance ; the sounds in the throat give the idea 
of shreds of some substance hanging down from the roof of the 
throat, and being moved to and fro by the ingress and egress of air. 
Continue Hepar sulph.^ 20 drops every three hours. 

3d. — Pulse 56 ; respiration 22; cough and crowing less ; appetite 
better ; can swallow better, and fluids do not return by nose. 
Continue medicine. 

10th. — Since last report the horse has been going on well, and 
is now convalescent. 



58 DISEASES OF THE THROAT. 

2. — Putrid, or Malignant Sore Throat. 

IN HORSES AND OXEN. 

This disease has proved rapidly fatal in both classes 
of animals. It differs from simple sore throat in the 
suddenness of its attack and the rapidity of its course, 
as well as in the greater gravity of the general symptoms. 
At first, high fever comes on, which is speedily followed 
by swelling and pain in the salivary glands. The throat, 
inside and out, swells to such an .extent as seriously to 
interfere with swallowing and breathing; the animal 
then refuses all food, and the breathing becomes noisy 
and choking. The breath is most offensive, and gets 
more so as the disease advances. The animal has an 
anxious and distressed look, the difficulty of breathing 
increases, indications of prostration advance, and death 
soon puts an end to his sufferings. 

Treatment. 

Give the medicines advised in the preceding article 
on '' Sore Throat," every hour or two, according to the 
severity of the attack. 

When symptoms of prostration come on, attended 
with offensive breath, give Arsenicum, 

Dose. — 20 drops every hour. 

In the majority of cases, there is such urgent difficulty 
of breathing and such imminent danger of suffocation, 
that the windpipe requires to be opened. 



THROAT DISEASES IN THE PIG. 59 

3. — Throat Diseases in the Pig. 

The pig is subject to two distinct diseases of the throat ; 
one consisting of ordinary inflammation of the mucous 
membrane lining the throat, palate and larynx ; the other, 
bearing a close analogy to the diphtheria of man, in so 
far as there is formed a membranous exudation on the 
diseased surface. 

The first form begins with loss of appetite, dullness, 
disinclination to move, &c., followed by feverishness, 
difficult breathing, gasping, cough, bluish color of the 
mouth, swelling of the tongue, obstructed and difficult 
swallowing, and choking. 

A hard, red, painful swelling appears on the neck, 
sometimes extending down the course of the windpipe. 
There is great prostration, and a tendency to gangrene 
and sloughing. 

In the second form, the general symptoms are some- 
what similar, and depend upon the local mischief inter- 
fering with swallowing and breathing, whilst the constitu- 
tion at large suffers from the blood being vitiated. 

Treatment. 

Eefer to the previous articles on throat diseases in other 
animals. 

Dose. — 10 drops of the medicines indicated, every one or two 
hours, according to the violence of the symptoms. 

The styes should be well cleaned out and kept clean ; 
the diseased separated from the healthy, and gruels^ 
drenched in. 



CHAPTEE TV. 
DISEASES OF THE GULLET. 



1.— Polypus. 

Sometimes a polypus is found to hang from the back 
part of the nose over the opening of the windpipe, 
giving rise to hackling cough, obstructed breathing, and 
frequent efforts to swallow. When such a tumor drops 
into the windpipe, the animal is choked. 

Such growths have been observed in both horses and 
cattle, and often their existence is unsuspected. When- 
ever the above symptoms are present, the throat should 
be carefully examined. 

Treatment. 

Introduce the hand into the back of the mouth, and 
twist off the polypus. 



2. — Obstruction — Choking. 

IN HORSES. 

The passage of food from the mouth to the stomach 
may be obstructed by various causes. Horses are some- 
times choked by food, such as chaff, bran, carrots, tur- 
nips, and such like, accumulating or sticking fast in some 



OBSTRUCTION — CHOKING. 61 

part of the swallow, or the canal lower down ; by the food 
not being properly chewed and softened by admixture 
with saliva; and by diseases, such as inflammation, stric- 
ture, dilated pouches, in the passage itself. Balls have 
been known to stick in the throat, or in the lower part of 
the foodtube, either from being too large, or improperly 
administered, or from existing stricture. 

When the obstruction is in the throat, the animal is in 
an anxious, distressed state, coughs, slavers, breathes 
quick, seems to be choking, breaks out in sweats, and 
frequently retches without being relieved. Water ad- 
ministered, or imbibed voluntarily, returns through the 
nose. Wherever these symptoms are met with, the hand 
should be put into the mouth, and the throat explored ; 
if any foreign body be there, it will of course be felt, and 
should be instantly removed. 

When the obstruction is in the neck portion of the 
food-tube, in addition to the foregoing symptoms, a 
swelling will be seen in the left side of the neck ; and 
when lower down still, in that part of the tube which lies 
out of sight in the chest, we find violent retching after 
swallowing fluids, besides most of the above symptoms, 
except that the choking is less urgent. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

Here the symptoms of choking are even more urgent 
than in horses, much more dangerous, and much more 
likely to end in death. This arises in great measure 
from the fact that obstruction, from whatever cause, and 
wherever situated, puts an immediate stop to the process 
of cudding, and therefore of digestion, so that the food in 
the stomach undergoes fermentation, gases are generated, 



62 DISEASES OF THE GULLET. 

and symptoms of "liove" come on. To the general 
symptoms of choking already mentioned as occurring in 
the horse, there are added in the case of cattle, severe 
cousrh and retchino\ strono: muscular contraction of the 
neck and belly, and violent expulsion of urine and dung. 

Treatment. 

As soon as the nature of the case is made out, and 
there should be no difficulty, because the symptoms speak 
for themselves, no time should be lost in overcoming 
the obstruction. In the first place, if it be due to some 
foreign body in the back of the mouth, or in the throat, 
the best plan is to open the horse's mouth, pull the 
tongue well out, and introduce the hand, and so remove 
the mass or obstructing object. At the same time, the 
assistant may render efficient service by compressing the 
throat externally and trj'ing to loosen the obstacle. In 
the second j)lace, when it lies in the foot-tube beyond 
the reach of the hand, the swollen part at the side should 
be rubbed up and down with the flat hand, and such 
grasping pressure made with the fingers and hands as 
will be suggested by the intention to loosen the obstacle 
from where it is fixed, or to break down the mass into 
smaller pieces. Along with this handling, the animal 
should drink, or have drenched into it, some tepid water, 
thin gruel, or oil, in the effort to gulp which, the 
offending obstacle may be carried down, or in attempts 
at retching or vomiting, be brought up by the mouth. 
When this fails, and even at the first, if the obstacle be 
large and completely immovable, the probang should 
be introduced at once, the use of which requires some tact, 
practice, and knowledge of anatomy. Still foiled, there 



DILATATION AND STRICTURE. 63 

is no other resource left save opening the tube, and 
removing the cause of obstruction. The wound must 
then be stitched up, and no solid food given for some time. 
Usually weakness of digestion remains, for which Nux 
Vomica^ and the other remedies prescribed under " Indi- 
gestion, " " Hove, " may be required. 



3. — Dilatation and Stricture. 

This condition of the gullet is sometimes met with in 
horses. The tube is either dilated near to the stomach, 
and then we find frequent attempts at retching and 
vomiting when food accumulates at the part; or it is 
dilated in the neck-part of the tube, and the swelling 
occasioned by the lodgment or passage of food is appar- 
ent to the eye. 

When the dilation is considerable, and the stoppage of 
food sets up symptoms of choking, refer to the remarks 
just made on this accident. No medicine avails in this 
condition. 

In Stricture, the canal is more or less diminished in 
its diameter. Above the point of constriction, the food 
lodges and in course of time causes dilatation ; hence, 
the two conditions often co-exist in the same animal. 
Injuries to, and operations on the gullet are apt to be 
followed by stricture. Fibrous, cancerous, melanotic, 
and other morbid deposits are at the bottom of most 
strictures of the gullet. 

Very little can be done in the way of treatment, 
except to give soft foods. Sometimes an operation may 
be resorted to witli temporary benefit. 



CHAPTER Y. 
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

1. — Vomiting. 

Vomiting is generally met with as a symptom, rather 
than as a substantive disease, not only of the stomach, 
but of other organs also. The same may be said of 
retching, which is the unsuccessful attempt to vomit — 
to expel the stomach's contents. 

IN HOUSES. 

Horses rarely vomit, but vomiting is sometimes ob- 
served during attacks of colic, ulceration of the mucous 
membrane of the stomach, distension of the stomach 
with contraction of the bowel immediately beyond ; and 
more frequently, as a constant symptom, when the food- 
tube in front of the stomach is contracted or dilated, as 
to give rise to accumulation of food, as described at page 
61, on choking. Vomiting also occurs, when the stomach 
is burst, an event which sometimes happens in stomach 

staggers. 

Treatment. 

Vomiting will cease on the cure of the disease of which 

it is a symptom. See following remarks on "Hove," 

" Indigestion," &c. 



HOVE— HO YEN. 65 

2. — Hove — Hoven. 

This is the most general name for a very common 
disorder of cattle, depending on distension of the paunch 
with gas, given off from the decomposition and ferment- 
ation of food. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP.* 

It arises from turning winter-fed cattle into rich clover 
or grass fields, especially after rain or damp ; from feed- 
ing stall-fed cattle on pease, meal, beans, &c. ; and from 
giving turnips, potatoes, or roots generally. The same 
hoven condition occurs as a symptom of other diseases, 
including obstructed gullet, &c. 

The chief symptom comes on suddenly, during, or 
soon after, eating. A swelling, which gradually increas- 
es, rises in the belly towards the left flank, on striking 
which with the hand, a drumlike sound is heard. The 
animal stops chewing the cud, appears dull, breathes 
quickly, and rifts up wind. As the swelling increases, 
so do the cow's sufferings ; the breathing becomes labored 
and difficult and moaning, the back is arched, the nostrils 
expanded, the tongue thrust out, the eye-balls anxious 
and protruded, and saliva dribbles from the mouth. 
Death is preceded by staggering, falling down, and a 
greenish discharge from the mouth and nose, and is the 
result of suffocation. In some cases, the progress of 
these symptoms is remarkably speedy. 

Treatment. 

As soon as distension is observed, stop feeding instantly. 



* So-called llovc in the hoiBo, is referred to under "" Colie/ 

4 



66 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

Suddenly dash cold water over the belly — this helps to 
expel the gas, and to re-excite cudding. 

The best medicine, according to my experience, is Am- 
monium Causiicum^ administered as quickly as possible. 

Dose. — 20 drops of the strong solution in two teaspoonfuls of 
water, every ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes, according to the 
urgency of the symptoms and the effect produced. For sheep, 
10 drops. 

The next most serviceable medicines are Belladonna 
or Colchicum^ one of which should be given if the first 
should do no good, after a few doses have been admin- 
istered. 

Dose. — The same as for Ammonium. 

In addition to these medicines, mechanical measures 
mnst be resorted to from the first, especially if the symp- 
toms appear and advance rapidly, so as to threaten 
speedy suffocation ; these are either to pass a hollow 
probang into the rumen, or to push a trocar, fitted with 
a tube, into the left side, midway between the last rib 
and the haunch bone. In lieu of this instrument, a pen- 
knife and large quill or hollow cane, will answer on an 
emergency. These failing, refer to Crammed Stomach. 

In Kelapsing Hove, which comes on whenever a cow 
with weak digestion, or disease of the third stomach, or 
intestines, eats green food, the treatment consists in regu- 
lating the diet, in giving 20 drops of Nux Vomica^ three 
times a day, during the intervals, and treating the attacks 
when they arise in the above ways. 

Food, etc. — In all cases of hove, the greatest attention 
must be paid, after the attack is over, to the kind of food 
and the prevention of gorging. Boiled roots are good. 



INDIGESTION. 67 

3. — Indigestion. 
IN THE HORSE. 

Indigestion is derangement of the process by which 
the food is naturally digested — is disorder rather than 
structural disease of the stomach, and probably, also, 
though in a less marked degree, of the liver, intestinal 
glands, &c. 

It arises from giving indigestible food ; allowing too 
much food after giving too little ; eating too much at too 
long intervals ; imperfect chewing, either from diseases 
or irregularities of the teeth, or from greed ; severe work 
soon after a meal. 

The tongue is foul and coated ; the mouth slimy ; 
the dung dry and mixed with undigested oats, or hard, 
glazed and offensive ; the urine scanty and thick. The 
appetite is unnatural or capricious ; sometimes the horse 
eats very greedily, at another he eats very little, or takes 
one food and leaves others ; or he prefers dirty straw to 
the best oats and hay ; or he licks the walls and swallows 
the plaster from it. He soon gets out of condition, loses 
flesh, does not thrive, and his skin looks "hide-bound." 
He sweats easily, and does not work so well as formerly, 
being weak and spiritless. Very often he has a short, 
hacking, irritating cough. It is evident from his manner, 
that he sometimes suffers from smart colicky pains. 

Treatment. 

Give Nux Vomica for depraved, fastidious, changeable 
appetite ; confined bowels ; dung hard, lumpy, and ghized 
on the surface with mucus; tongue furred and slimy. 

Arsenicum is a most valuable remedy when the horse 



68 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

is weak and unthrifty, eats little or nothing, eonghs fre- 
quently after eating or drinking, &c. 

Another good medicine for somewhat similar symptoms 
to the last is Ferrum^ which should be given if Arsenicum 
does no good. 

Dose. — 10 graiiis of Fcirum, tbrice daily in a handful of mash; 
of Nux and Arsenicum, 20 drops in a wine-glassful of water. 

Food, etc. — Soft and easily-digested food should alone 
be allowed, and in small quantities at short periods. 
The horse should be moderately exercised, and not over- 
worked. 

Case I.* 

On October 5th, 1859, I was called to a horse belonging to Mr. 
Holland, baker, Manchester. When this horse was bought, three 
months ago, he was pronounced sound by a veterinary surgeon, 
although suffering from a cough ; he has been under allopathic treatment 
ever since^ without any benefit ; and the V. S. now states that " that the 
lungs are rotten, "^^ 

The symptoms are : — Pulse and breathing unaffected ; tongue 
covered with a dirty yellow fur; mouth contains slim^- saliva; 
offensive smell in mouth ; bowels constipated ; urine, pale brown 
in color ; coat, dry, staring and devoid of gloss ; abdomen, tucked up ; 
appetite, fastidious ; cough, frequent and dry ; the horse is m poor 
condition and does not gain flesh. 

Treaimtnt. — To have Arsenicum and Nux Vomica 1, 20 drops 
thrice a day alternately. 

14th.'^Since last report, the horse has steadily improved; and he 
is now all right. 

IN OXEN. 

In cows, the symptoms do not vary much from those of 
the horse. The milk is poor in quality, and scanty ; 
purging, belchings and retching are also observed. 

* Quoted from 'Veterinary Homoeopathy Ulustrated," &c. 



STOMACH STAGGERS. 69 

Treatment. 

The-same as in the horse, both as respects the medicines 
to be administered, the doses and food. 

Case TI.* 

On March 12tli, 1860, 1 visited a cow belonging to Mr. Fletcher, 
Longsight, near Manchester. Of late this cow has refused her food, 
and vomited immediately after each meal. Neighboring wiseacres 
say she has the lung disease, and had better be sold. My opinion 
was asked on this point. 

The symptoms are : — Breathing and pulse unaffected ; very 
little appetite; vomits hay directly it is swallowed; rumina- 
tion, suspended ; dung, scanty ; almost total absence of milk ; 
extreme emaciation— reduced to " a bag of bones." 

Nux Vomica was given three times a day. In a fortnight the 
cow was able to eat and digest everything put before her, and she 
had greatly improved in condition. In two months after she was 
the fattest, the finest and the best milker in the stock. 



4.— Stomach Staggers. 

SLEEPY STAGGERS — MAD STAGGERS. 

IN HORSES. 

This name is applied to an assemblage of symptoms, 
which show that both the stomach and the nervous sys- 
tem are affected. The stomach is more or less crammed 
with hard and undigested food, as much as 60 pounds 
weight having been found in it. It is more common in 
some districts and seasons than in others. Rank grasses, 
the common rag-weed, rye-grass containing ergot, &c., 
have been blamed for its production ; but it is also met 



^ Quoted from " Veterinary Homoeopathy Illustrated," &c. 



70 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

with after the horse has eaten any other food, especially 
if he be old, fed on bad food, or be exhausted from illness, 
over-work, or ill-nsage. It often arises when a horse is 
long fasted and then is allowed to swallow, without 
slowly chewing, too much oats, bran, hay, &c. Farm 
and cart horses are the greatest sufferers. 

The bowels are confined, the dung hard and slimy, 
and little or no urine is passed. Occasionally pains come 
on in the bowels, and then the animal paws the ground, 
looks round to his flanks, and lies down and rolls over. 
Sometimes wind is belched up. Partial sweats break 
out. The mouth and eyes are tinged yellow. The 
horse's manner is the most notable feature in the symp- 
toms. He is dull and sleepy, hangs his head on the 
manger or rests it against the wall ; the eyelids are closed 
or nearly so ; the eyes are partially or wholly insensible 
to light. From this condition a strong blow or a loud 
noise may awake him, but presently the Same stupor steals 
over and masters him again. Sometimes the muscles 
are seized with sudden twitching, and fore-legs drop as if 
he would fall. The breathing is slow, labored, moaning, 
or noisy, from throat-rattle. The pulse is full, frequent 
and oppressed. 

These symptoms either abate, leaving the horse more 
or less affected in his sight and with a weak stomach ; or 
they change their character and indicate excitement of 
the brain, or Mad Staggers, which is a condition occur- 
ring either as the advanced stage of stomach staggers, or 
without the sleepy symptoms above described. As the 
symptoms of this stage, or form, bear a close analogy to 
those of inflammation of the brain, the remarks on this 
latter disease should be referred to. 



STOMACH STAGGERS. 71 

Now, the horse shivers all over ; runs his head against 
the rack, manger, or wall ; stamps wildly as if he were 
in a passion ; plunges about the box ; kicks out ; rears 
upwards, and falls backwards on the ground, panting 
for breath, and sweating all over; or jumps with his 
fore-feet into the manger. The eyes are thrust out, fixed 
and wild looking, and the pupils dilated. The breathing 
is quickened and the nostrils opened out wide ; the 
pulse hard and accelerated. These attacks recur until 
one more severe than the rest ends life, often preceded 
by vomiting, as a sign of ruptured stomach. 

IN OXEN. 

Stomach staggers is known in oxen as '' grass staggers," 
and '^ fardel-bound." Most frequently it is in the omasum^ 
many plies, or third stomach, that the food is lodged and 
arrested, although the first and second stomachs are also 
involved, but to a minor extent. The secretion of the 
many plies is absent, and the food is hard and dried into 
a solid cake. This affection is most common in the spring, 
when stall-fed cattle are first turned out to grass. 

In rinderpest, the third stomach is almost invariably 
crammed with hard food. 

The symptoms do not differ materially from those of 
the analagous disease in the horse ; there is the same 
stupor in the early stage, and the same wildness in the 
latter. In addition, cudding is, of course, suspended, the 
belly is often " hoven," and there may be slight purging. 
Care as lo diet, after the urgent symptoms have been 
overcome, is even more essential in cows than in the 
horsa 



72 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

Treatment. 

The treatment of stomach staggers consists, in the first 
instance, in removing the cause, which is an accumulation 
of food in the stomach, by means of mechanical agents 
calculated to expel the mechanical obstacle. It is much 
more difficult in animals than in man, to use the stomach 
pump with effect, especially when we wish to remove a 
mass of food often hard, always bulky ; indeed, the 
difficulties are so great as to render this measure practi- 
cally useless. As much water should be allowed as the 
animal will drink, no food should be offered, and glysters 
should be thrown up freely. At least one dose of croton, 
or aloes, ought to be administered in order to obtain the 
evacuant action of a powerful cathartic. In addition, 
Belladonna when there are present the symptoms above 
described of mad staggers ; Opium for those of sleepy 
staggers ; and Niix Vomica^ after the urgent symptoms 
are over, when the stomach is weak and unable to digest 
food properly. 

Dose. — 20 drops in a wine-glassful of water, orin a draught 
of water, every hour or two, according to the violence of the 
symptoms. One dose of Nux four times a day, for the subse- 
quent weak digestion. 

For some weeks, great care must be taken to give soft 
food in small quantities frequently. 



5. — Crammed Stom.ach. 

IN OXEN. 

The elegant name for this state is " impaction of the 
stomach." Of all animals, cows are the most subject to 



CKAMMED STOMACH. 73 

it The ramen, paunch, or first stomach, is more or less 
stuffed with undigested food, and the beast's life is there- 
by very seriously endangered. It may arise from eating 
grains, bran, &c., and from filling the stomach with grass 
before there has been time for such a generation of gas as 
would lead to the production of " Hove." Under some 
circumstances, a small quantity of herbage will give off 
a large amount of gas ; under others, the paunch is 
considerably filled with food, and then a comparatively 
small quantity of gas is evolved. Hence, Crammed 
Stomach and Hove have many symptoms in common, 
only they are less quickly produced and less severe in 
the former than in the latter complaint. The two may 
be distinguished by crammed stomach wanting the pecu- 
liar drumy sound on striking the paunch, by pressure 
on the swelling on the left side leaving the marks of the 
clenched fist, and by no gas escaping when the hollow 
probang is introduced, or the swelling punctured. 

Treatment. 

The operation of " Paunching " must be performed 
without delay ; thus : Having properly secured the ani- 
mal, plunge a sharp carving-knife into the swollen 
paunch, through the skin at a point midway between 
the haunch bone and the last rib, and about nine inches 
from the spine (back bone) ; and, whilst drawing out the 
knife, cut a slit six inches downwards. Grasp and hold 
fast the edges of the wound in the stomach and side of 
the belly, otherwise the food will drop into the belly 
amongvSt the bowels and set up a probably fatal intlani- 
mation. Then, lift out the food with the hand. When 



74 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

this has been done, sew up the edges of the wound ii 
the paunch with three or four single stitches of fine cat-' 
gut ; and lastly, secure the wound on the cow's side by 
passing through its lips as many stitches of flexible wire. 
Only soft food is allowable for some days. The operation 
is usually successful and speedily recovered from. 
Afterwards, treat as for ^' Indigestion." 



6.— Crib-Biting and Wind-Sucking. d| 

These two tricks, or symptoms of disease, whichever 
they may be, are confined to the horse ; they are men- 
tioned here because they are either the results of a disor- 
dered stomach, or frequently lead to it. Certainly, both 
lower the horse's condition, and would seem to render him 
more than usually liable to indigestion and attacks of 
colic. Many horses acquire the habit by imitation ; 
therefore, those addicted to it should be kept apart from 
others. 

A crib-biter fastens his front teeth into the manger, 
curves his neck and sucks in air with a peculiar noise. 

A wind-sucker presses his lips against some har(J|l 

body, brings his feet together, arches his neck and 

swallows air, without fixing the teeth. After either of 

these two performances, the belly becomes. enlarged and 

drumy. 

Treatment. 

There are various contrivances in the shape of racks 
and straps for the prevention of both practices. 

If sjnnptoms of indigestion be present, consult the 
remarks on that subject in this chapter. 

In the eye of the law, crib-biting, which has not pro- 



STOMACH FAIN IN THE HORSE. 75 

ceeded so far as to iaduce a disease, or change of strac- 
tare, or to interfere witli the horse's usefulness, is not 
unsoandness, but a vice ; and a purchase, under a war- 
ranty that a horse is '^ sound and free from vice,'' is void. 



7.— Stomach Pain in the Horse. 

I have often observed a class of symptoms, which I 
believe to arise from pain in the stomach. They are as 
follows : The general symptoms resemble those of colic ; 
the horse shows by his manner, restlessness and looks, 
that he is in pain : he turns his head round to the left 
side and puts his nose there behind the left elbow joint. 
Besides, wind (gas) rises up from the stomach, and in its 
passage along the food-tube causes a waving motion simi- 
lar to that — only in the opposite direction — which takes 
place when water or food is swallowed. It is in reality a 
form, or a symptom of indigestion. 

Treatment. 

I have never failed with Antimonium Crudum^ and, 
therefoer, it is needless to refer to any other remedy. 
Dose. — 20 drops in a wine-glassful of water every half hour, or 
hour, until the symptoms are relieved. 



8. — Loss of Appetite. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

This is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of man}' 
different diseases, both acute and chronic. It is one of 
the first in diseases attended with febrile excitement. 



76 DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

It is associated with diseases of the teeth, mouth and 
stomach ; and after recovery from serious illness, some 
loss of appetite remains. 

Treatment. 

When an animal appears to be in tolerable health, 
but does not eat as he ought to do, give Arsenicum or 
Nux Vomica^ night and morning ; or one medicine in the 
morning and the other at night. 

Dose. — 2 grains in a handful of mash, for horses and oxen ; 10 
drops of the tincture, for sheep and pigs. 

Of course an examination should be made to ascertain 
whether or not actual disease exists. The mouth in 
particular should be explored for irregular teeth, &c., 
especially if the animal '' quid " his food. See remarks 
on this subject, at page 38. 



I 



i 



CHAPTEE TI. 
DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 



1. — Intestinal Worms. 
IN HORSES. 

The true worms found in the horse's bowels comprise 
three species of tape-worm ; namely, the Tceniaplicaia. T, 
perfoliata and the T. marailana ; a large, round worm, 
the ascaris megalocephala ; and another, often called a 
thread- worm, the strongylus armatus. 

The first kind are rarely met with, and when they do 
exist, give rise to little or no disorder. The presence 
of worms in general is denoted by staring, hind-bound 
coat; appetite at one time poor, at another greedy ; loss 
of flesh and condition ; occasional attacks of colic, or of 
diarrhoea, dry cough, &c. When the worms are found 
passing from the bowels, all doubt is removed as to the 
cause of their symptoms. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

In the first animal's bowels, the tape- worms are called 
Tvenia expansa and T. denticulata ; and the round worms, 
the strongylus radiatus and the ascaris lumhricoide.^. 



78 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

The Tcenia expansa and several species of strongyli are 
found in sheep, and produce much the same symptoms 
as in other animals. 

IN PIGS. 

The worms found in the pig's bowels are tcenim^ ascari- 
des and a large round worm, with a long name — the 
ecMnorhynchus gig as ^ to young pigs most injurious. This 
animal is much disturbed by worms — the loins are weak ; 
the hind legs stiff ; the eyes sunken ; there are constant 
grunts, and biting and fighting one with another. In 
bad cases, the weakness is so great as to induce fatal 
exhaustion. 

Treatment. 

In the treatment of worm cases we must, firstly, destroy 
and expel the worms ; and. secondly, give such medicines 
as will improve the mucous membrane of the bowels and 
its secretions. 

For the horse, as a mechanical evacuant, give two 
croton beans powdered and mixed with a handful of 
bran. mash. Then, for the symptoms above described as 
the result of worms, give 2 grains of Arsenicum, first 
trituration, night and morning, in a little mash ; or, this 
failing to do decided good after having been adminis- 
tered for two or three weeks, Feft^i Sulphas^ in the same 
way, in 10 grain doses. 

For oxen, as an evacuant and as a poison to the tape- 
worms, Turpentine^ half an ounce mixed with olive oil ; 
and as constitutional remedies Arsenicum and Ferri Sul- 
phas, as for the horse. 

In sheep and pigs give half these quantities. 

The operation of the evacuant medicines should be 



THE HORSE EOT. . 79 

watched, and tape worm, when expelled, either whole or 
in pieces, should be burned or deeply buried. 



2.— The Horse Bot. 

The " bot " is the maggot form of the breeze or gad- 
fly, of which three species take up their temporary abode 
in the stomach and entrails of the horse ; they are the 
(Estrus Equi^ or great spotted horse-fly ; the (Estrus Hoe- 
morrhoidalis^ or red tailed horse bot ; and the (Estrus 
Veterinus, The natural history of these creatures is a 
curious one. Towards the end of summer the fly deposits 
its eggs on the inside of the horse's knees, on his breast, 
or on his lips ; the eggs are covered with a gluey fluid, 
which causes them to stick to the hair of these parts. 
Several hundred eggs may be thus laid on a single horse. 
They set up considerable irritation and itching, to relieve 
which the horse licks, or nibbles the skin, and in this 
manner they are conveyed into the stomach — a transition 
indispensable to the hatching of the eggs. Here the 
larvae at once fix their heads, by means of sharp hooks, 
into the mucous membrane, where they hang in clusters. 
During the following winter and spring they undergo no 
further change, but gradually grow larger. Towards 
sp];;ing, being ready to advance another stage, they loosen 
themselves, and are discharged from the body along with 
the faeces. They then find a convenient hiding place, 
where they change into the form of chrysalis, and some- 
time afterwards into that of a fly. The second species 
mentioned above is commonly called the " lip and funda- 
ment bot," from two peculiarities — it fixes its eggs about 



80 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

the horse's lip, and after quitting the stomach, often 
adheres a considerable time to the end of the anus. 

If a horse out at grass in autumn is observed to be 
uneasy, going awkwardly, and licking the inside of his 
legs, or his breast, or, when the lip-fly approaches him, 
tossing his head and galloping off, there is strong suspi- 
cion that he will be troubled with bots next summer. 
When bots exist in the stomach, there may be no symp- 
toms whatever ; but when they are in large numbers, 
various symptoms of indigestion, attended with loss of 
condition and flesh, usually arise. All doubt is dispersed 
when they are seen passed with the excrement, or hang- 
ing at the anus. 

Treatment. 

Nothing can expel them from the stomach ; at the 
proper time in their development they come away of 
themselves. The best remedies for the effects produced 
by them are Arsenicum or Ferri Sulphas. 

The first medicine should be given for two or three 
weeks ; and then, after an interval of three days, the 
second, in case there should not be decided improvement. 

In some cases, especiallj^ those attended with symp- 
toms of colic and indigestion, I have seen good effects 
from Nux Vomica, 

Doses. — 20 drops of Nux and Arsenicum night and morning; 4 
grains of Ftrri Stilph. 

The following remedy will usually give relief in fifteen 
minutes : Dissolve one ounce of pulverized aloes and 
one tablespoonful of ginger in a pint of hot water, then 
add one ounce of spirits of sweet nitre. Give it all at 
once. 




CONCKETIONS. 81 

3.— Concretions — Dust and Hair Balls. 

IN HORSES. 

A small pebble, or other foreign body, when acciden- 
tally swallowed, is often found to be the centre of deposits 
of earthy matter, leading to the formation of stones, 
which vary greatly in size. These hard, earthy stones 
are occasionally found in the horse's stomach, but more 
frequently in some part of the large intestine. They are 
met with oftener in some districts than in others — owing 
probably to the larger amount of calcareous matter in 
the water drunk. 

The dust ball is composed of oats, the dust of oats or 
barley used as food, and mucous material mixed up and 
matted together. They often acquire a very large size, 
and there are often several of them in the s^me horse. 
They begin to be formed in the stomach, around any 
body that will act as a centre-point for deposits, and 
afterwards pass into the bowels. 

IN OXEN, SHEEP, &c. 

Hair balls are very common in these animals. They 
consist of hair, thickened mucus and other deposited 
matters, and begin from swallowing hair when the hide 
is licked. These usually remain in the stomach, and 
give rise to no particular symptoms. Besides stomach 
stones, the dog is liable to have hair balls in the bowels, 
as well as stony concretions formed around foreign bodies. 

The balls often attain an immense size without causing 
any appreciable derangement of health. Usually, how- 
ever, they set up obscure symptoms of general ill health 



82 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

— the animal gets thin, weak and dull, and has frequent 
attacks of colic. Towards the last, the bowels become 
constantly costive, the belly swollen, the back arched 
upwards, and the breathing quickened. When attacks 
of pain come on, the eyes have an anxious look, and, in 
the case of the horse, he sits on his haunches like a dog. 

Treatment. 

If it were possible to be sure of the existence of these 
stones when they are small, it would be comparatively 
easy and safe to expel them through the bowel by means 
of a purge ; but as this knowledge is wanting, and as the 
mass when once it has grown large cannot be made to 
pass along the bowel, nothing can be done but to give 
relief. A purge is then worse than useless, and is certain 
to do mischief During the attacks of pain, treat as for 
colic. 



4.— Costiveness. 

IN HORSES, OXEN, &c. 

In all animals, costiveness is rather a symptom of 
many diseases, than a distinct disease of itself; neverthe- 
less, it often assumes the importance of a special disorder 
in the lower animals, from the circumstance that the 
nature of their food and the necessity for frequently 
changing it, induce this condition, which often leads to 
loss of appetite and pain in the bowels. It is apt to 
come on from eating old, rough grass — the tough fibers 
of which resist digestion and- softening, and lace to- 
gether so as to cause accumulation, especially in the 
rectum. 



COSTIVENESS. 83 

Newly-born foals are very liable to costiveness of a 
dangerous cbaracter. The excrement existing in the 
bowel before the foal's birth cannot be discharged, and 
symptoms of severe colic come on. 

Oxen are likewise occasionally the subjects of simple 
costiveness, and calves particularly so when first placed 
on dry food. 

In all such cases, we find loss of appetite, uneasiness, 
indications of belly-ache, straining efforts to relieve the 
bowels, hardened excrement, &c. 

Treatment. 

Horses should be regularly exercised, and be fed on 
boiled food, the quantity of oats being reduced for a time. 
Dogs, also, should be exercised, and have well boiled 
oatmeal gruel, and occasionally bits of liver. In all 
animals, the diet should be carefully regulated according 
to the state of the evacuations. Injections of warm water 
and soap should not be omitted, especially if the last 
portion of the bowel be stuffed full. Back-raldng the 
horse is not free from danger. In the smaller animals, 
it may be necessary to scoop out the accumulation when 
it lies in the rectum. When colic is present, treat as 
directed for that complaint. 

The best medicines for constipation are Nux Vomica 
and Sulphur — the former to be given for the first week ; 
and the latter, for the second ; and so on in turns as long 
as may be required. Or, one may be given at night, and 
the other in the morning. 

Doses. — 20 drops niglit and moroing, for liorses and oxen ; 10 
drops for foals, calves, sheep and pigs. Many cases do best with 
2 grains, night and morning, of Nux Vomica first trituration. 



84 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

5. — Colic— Gripes, &c. 
IN HORSES. 

This, one of the most common and fatal diseases to 
which the horse is subject, depends on spasm, or cramp 
of the muscular coat of a portion of the bowel. It arises 
from a variety of causes— such as dust balls and stony 
concretions, masses of undigested food, and hardened 
excrement obstructing the bowel — from over-eating, as 
when a horse gets loose at night and walks into the corn 
bin ; or naturally has a greedy appetite and gorges him- 
self ; or, during the day, has the nose-bag put on when- 
ever he stops, and when brought home at night is again 
fed freely, or allowed to eat as much hay as he likes 
— from irregular feeding, as when he is kept short at one 
part of the day and liberally supplied at another — from 
exhaustion, following hard work and coupled with im- 
proper feeding — from exposure to cold, or drinking cold 
water when the body is hot — from the presence of worms, 
&c. In the great majority of cases, the cause is some 
impropriety in feeding, and, therefore, if common-sense 
attention were paid to this point, there would be many 
fewer cases of colic. When a horse is frequently attacked 
with colic, there is a strong presumption that he has dust 
or stone balls in the bowels, especially if the general 
health and condition breaks down. 

Let me sketch the picture of a griped horse. Sud- 
denly he becomes restless, walks about, crouches, paws 
the ground, kicks his belly with the hind feet, looks often 
round to his side, &c. Presently he lies down, and rolls 
about with more or less violence ; sometimes resting on 



COLIC, GRIPES, ETC. 85 

his bellj and looking round anxiously at his flank, some- 
times stretched out full length, sometimes turned on his 
back, in a state of comparative calm. The pain now 
remits — he gets up, shakes himself, and begins to eat or 
nibble. Before long, another attack, more severe than 
the first, seizes him, and the old symptoms are repeated 
with greater violence than before. He throws himself 
about wildly, utterly indifferent to the injuries he self- 
inflicts ; his eyes stare and look anxious ; he breathes 
fast ; his skin is more or less covered with sweat ; he 
tries to stool but passes little or nothing ; he perhaps voids 
a few small, hard lumps of dung. After several such 
displays, the attacks become milder and fewer, and finally 
cease ; or they increase in number, and then he exhibits 
indications of exhaustion ; walks unsteadily, or reels 
round the box ; finds no temporary relief save when 
lying against the wall on his back ; his muscles twitch ; 
his breathing is quick and groaning ; his pulse small 
and hurried ; he breaks out in patches of cold sweat ; 
the retracted lips expose the clenched teeth ; and ere 
long, death closes the painful scene. 

Colic may continue from half an hour to a day, and 
may lead to death from rupture of the bowel, or of the 
midriff, or from twisting of the bowel. 

There is another form of this disease, called by some 
Flatulent Colic^ or Acute Indigestion^ which arises from 
eating too fast, over-loading the stomach, drinking too 
much water, working on a full stomach, eating turnips, 
carrots, potatoes, rank grass, &c. The food either remains 
undigested, or it ferments and gives off gas which dis- 
tends the stomach and bowels. It corresponds to the 
*' Hove " of oxen and sheep. The symptoms are similar 



86 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

to those first depicted ; with the addition, that the belly 
is more or less bloated, and drumy when struck, — that 
rumbling noises are heard wdthin, and wind is discharged 
from the bowels, — and that the horse frequently retches, 
and may succeed in vomiting. This is the more danger- 
ous of the two forms, and very frequently terminates in 
rupture of the stomach. 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

Oxen are not so often the subjects of this disease as 
horses and dogs ; when it does attack them, the causes 
and symptoms are the same. Dogs, during the severity 
of the attack, arch up their back, draw their legs under 
the belly, and pull the tail between their hind legs. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is indicated by the following symptoms : when 
the attack has been induced by a chill, or by drinking 
cold water when the body was hot ; when the animal's 
behavior, as above described, shows that he is in great 
suffering ; when he frequently tries to pass urine and 
dung; when the belly is tender, swollen, and wind 
rumbles in it. 

Ammonium Causticum is, according to my experience, 
the only single medicine which can speedily cure the 
largest proportion of colic cases. It is more especially 
suitable for "windy colic." 

Nux Vomica is the best remedy when the attack 

" arises from eating indigestible food, or from over-eating, 

or from accumulation of excrement; when hard, dry 

lumps are discharged ; when the horse makes straining 

efforts to urinate and dung, without any result, or with 



COLIC, GRIPES, ETC. 87 

but little ; when the pain is not of the most violent 
character, and the horse does not knock himself about 
savagely, but lies a good deal on his side, restless and 
uneasy, and every now and then looks round to his side. 
Colocynthus is indicated in cases attended with most 
severe pain, causing the animal to roll about violently ; 
also when the attack appears to result from eating green 
food, and the belly is much distended with gas ; and 
when wind and watery motions are discharged by the 
bowel. 

Doses. — 20 drops of aoy of the above medicines for horses and 
oxen : 10 for sheep and pigs. Repeat each dose every fifteen 
or thirty minutes, according to the violence of the symptoms. 

When the above remedies fail, I use a medicine com- 
posed of 1 oz. aloes, 1 oz. sweet nitre, 1 tablespoonful of 
ginger. Dissolve the aloes and ginger in 1 pint of warm 
water, then add the nitre. When cool, give to the 
patient. This will generally cure in fifteen minutes 
If it fails, give another dose in thirty minutes. This 
remedy is also a sure cure for bots. 

I have given chloroform for colic, 1 teaspoonful in 
twice the quantity of water, with good effect. 

There are several other medicines which are of use in 
exceptional cases, but the above are sufficient to cure the 
great majority, and that more speedily than the ordinary 
plan of giving turpentine, purges, &c. Injections of 
warm water should be thrown up occasionally. The 
operation of '* back-raking" relieves the rectum, but 
injections are safer and just as effectual. I have known 
stable-men and grooms thrust their hand through the 
bowel, and, of course, thus destroy the horse. The ani- 



88 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

mal shoald be turned into a loose box, with plenty of 
straw to roll on. Compelling a griped horse to walk 
and trot is downright cruelty, and a most dangerous 
practice. After the attack is over, give soft food, and 
exercise gently for two or three days. 

Case.* 

On October 24l:b, 1855, 1 was sent for in great haste, to see a 
horse belonging to Messrs. Syddall Brothers, Chadkirk, near Man- 
chester. During the last twelve months this horse has had several 
attacks of colic, which have always yielded to Aconite, It has 
given only slight relief in the present attack, which has lasted five 
hours. I found the following symptoms : the horse is lying stretched 
out full length : when made to rise, he is no sooner up than he 
draws himself together and drops down again ; he turns his head 
and frequently looks at his abdomen ; he has voided a small quan- 
tity of dung, covered with mucus ; the eyes roll about, and the 
eyebrows quiver, &c, 

To have Nux Vomica. There was no return oi the pain after the 
first dose. Twenty minutes after the first another dose was given. 
In an hour from the first dose the horse was standing up, eating 
hay, and well. 



II 



6. — Diarrhoea. 

IN HORSES. 

The frequent discharge of liquid excrement, uncol- 
ored by blood, which constitutes diarrhoea, is a very 
frequent symptom of disease. " Washy " animals — 
those with narrow loins and great width between the 
ribs and haunch bones — are peculiarly subject to it; 
some horses without this make are constitutionally pre- 
disposed to it; hunters, excited with going to hounds, 



* Quoted from '' Veterinary HomcEopathy Illustrated.'' 



DIARRHCEA. 89 

are often troubled with it. Change of diet, bad or 
improper food, often induce it, especially in association 
with over- work. Super-purgation is the result of giving 
purges in too large doses, or too frequently, — a practice 
much less common nowadays than in past years, and 
one that has killed many a horse. Purging also arises 
towards the end of influenza, and other diseases attended 
with prostration, and is a constant symptom of disor- 
dered liver. 

The evacuations are passed frequently, with straining, 
and discharge of wind. There are often indications of 
belly-ache ; such as uneasiness, looking round to the 
flank, pawing the ground, rolling over, &c. When 
digestion is imperfect, the oats are passed undigested. 
The discharges are offensive, and mixed with more or 
less of slime. In bad cases, diarrhoea is a dangerous 
disorder in the horse, and may destroy life. This event 
may be apprehended when the legs are cold ; the surface 
covered with cold sweats ; the breathing quickened ; 
the pulse small and weak ; the appetite gone ; the 
strength rapidly reduced ; and the flesh wasted away. 

In some cases, diarrhoea is of the lingering (chronic) 
form. 

The following case illustrates the symptoms and treat- 
ment of a severe attack of diarrhoea, excited by an over- 
dose of aloes, in a horse previously weakened by work 

and bleeding : — 

Case.* 

In July, 1853, a cart horse belonging to Mr. Tait, bleacher, 
Heaton Mersy, near Manchester, was unwell, and the farrier 
engaged on the premises thought the best plan to restore the 



♦Quoted from " Veterinary Hoimeopathy Elustratcd." 



90 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

animal to heultb would be to abstract six quarts of blood and give 
a dose of aloes. 

I found the following results : Pulse 84, and so feeble and thread- 
like that it is with difficulty it can be felt at all ; breathing 40 
per minute, and laborious ; glassy staring eyes ; legs, face and nose 
cold as death ; general appearance haggard in the extreme ; offen- 
sive smell from mouth ; appetite quite gone, in fact has neither 
eaten nor drank within the last four days; extreme debility, so 
that when made to move, he staggers as if he were about to fall ; 
during four days the purgation has been excessive, and now a dirty, 
water-like fluid is streaming down his hind legs. 

To have Aconitum and Arsenicum of the first dilution, in 20 drop 
doses, every three hours alternately. 

On the fifth day from my first visit, the horse's pulse and 
breathing were normal, his appetite had returned, and, in short, 
his improvement was so great, that he did a little work. On the 
following day he resumed his ordinary task of carting bleached 
goods between his owner s works and Manchester. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

In oxen, diarrhoea is a frequent symptom of the lung 
disease and rinderpest. It is very common when the 
diet is changed, and when cattle are turned into new 
grass pastures. Sucking calves often have the "white 
scour," from the mill^ they drink resisting digestion, 
and passing out curdled ; it then acts as an irritant on 
the bowels. Lambs are likewise subject to this form of 
purging when they are suckling, and to another form 
arising from eating too rich grass in spring. 

Case.* 

Mr. Johnson, farmer, Moston, near Manchester, called upon me 
on September 16th, 1857, respecting a cow. The only particulars 
of her history that could be learnt were these : The animal began 



I 



I 



♦Quoted from " Veterinarj' Homoeopatliy niustrated." 



DIARRHCEA. 91 

to be purged six weeks ago, and although numerous compounds, or 
" cow drinks " had been given, the ejections continued as copiously 
as ever. She had, consequently, been reduced to a heap of bones ; 
the secretion of milk was suspended, and the appetite gone. 

I gave her Camphor and Veratrum^ each in 20 drop doses, to be 
given every three hours alternately. The owner reported, after 
these medicines were all administered, that " the cow is quite well, 
and is coming to her milk." 

IN PIGS. 

In this animal, the causes of diarrhoea, and the symp- 
toms attending it, present no great variation from the 
same in other animals. 

Treatment. 

Bryonia should be given when the purging arises 
from drinking cold water or being exposed to sudden 
changes of temperature, whereby perspiration is checked, 
and chill is received ; when the evacuations are very 
fluid and passed almost involuntarily ; when they con- 
tain undigested food, curdled milk, &c. ; when it seems 
likely that drinking impure water, containing vegetable 
matter, as on moors or marshes, has excited the attack ; 
and when eating and drinking bring on purging. 

Arsenicum is indicated when the diarrhoea is attended 
by violent pain in the bowels, as may be inferred from 
the animal's conduct; when the discharge is watery, 
slimy, greenish, or brownish ; and when the animal 
becomes depressed, weak, thin, and does not eat. 

Mercurius is suitable for cases attended with straining 
efforts, and protrusion of the bowel at the auus ; when 
the motions are slimy, frothy, dark, and offensive, and 
mixed with bile and perhaps with streaks of blood ; 
when there are retching and vomiting, &c. 



92 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

China is a valuable remedy for the chronic form of 
diarrhoea, especially if the discharge is not accompanied 
by pain ; when there is loss of appetite, failure of strength, 
and wasting. 

Nux Vomica is indicated when the diarrhoea is attend- 
ed with symptoms of indigestion, as mentioned at page 
67 ; and when purging alternates with constipation. 

Golocynthis is required in those cases of violent colic 
which are sometimes attended with looseness. 

Sulphur is of service when the purging is attended 
with eruptions — as is often the case in dogs, for example ; 
and when milk disagrees and is the cause of the loose- 
ness, as in sucking calves and lambs. 

Doses. — 20 drops for the horse and cow ; 10 drops for sheep and 
pigs ; from 4 to 10 for calves and lambs ; to be given in a 
teaspoonful of water for the smaller, and a wine-glassful for 
the larger animals. Each dose is to be repeated every one, 
two, or three hours according to the violence of the symptoms, 
increasing the interval between each as improvement sets in^ 
For chronic cases, two or three times a day. 

Food. — If the food be faulty, withdraw it. Starch 
gruel, and wheaten flour gruel are good drinks ; and for 
dogs, ground rice mixed with a little beef tea. In cattle, 
change of pasture is advisable. To suckling animals, or 
young animals requiring milk, give from a teaspoonful 
to a table-spoonful of Rennet. 



7. — "Braxy" in Sheep. 

The fatal disease known amongst shepherds by this 
name is met with in different forms ; or the symptoms 
vary so much as to constitute different forms ; and prob- 
ably totally different diseases, are confounded together 



DYSENTERY — BLOODY FLUX. 93 

under one general designation. Some cases are associ- 
ated with disease of the stomach and bowels—" bowel 
sickness." For further particulars, refer to the chapter 
on Blood Diseases. 



8.— Dysentery— Bloody Flux. 

Dysentery consists in inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the bowel, more especially of the large 
intestine and rectum, is attended with discharge of blood 
and lymphy shreds, and is prone to end in ulceration. 
Some cases of diarrhoea run on to, or become mixed in 
symptoms with those of dysentery. 

IN HORSES. 

It is less frequently observed in horses than in other 
animals. Bad food, exposure and overwork strongly 
predispose to it ; and grazing on damp, marshy pastures 
excites it. Young, well-conditioned horses have the 
acute form ; and old, done-up horses the chronic. 

The usual symptoms are as follows : Pulse small and 
quick; breathing quickened ; great thirst; no appetite; 
frequent efforts to relieve the bowel, often without suc- 
cess, attended with symptoms indicative of pain in the 
belly ; the straining is so severe sometimes as to force 
out the end of the rectum a short distance ; the discharge 
consists of excrement coated over with congealed blood, 
of slimy mucus mixed with dark blood, and of lymph — 
in the latter case presenting a fatty appearance, and hence 
the old name given by the farriers, "molten grease," 
from a notion that the fat of the body was melted down 
and then ejected by the bowels. If the disease continues 



94 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

unchecked, the horse becomes exhausted, very weak, 

and greatly wasted. 

IN OXEN. 

Dysentery complicates rinderpest ; sometimes occurs 
as an epizootic ; and usually attacks, in this country, 
cows confined in dirty, ill- ventilated shippons. It also 
arises from drinking impure, or stagnant water ; from 
eating rank grass, or pasturing on low marsh lands ; and 
when over-driven cattle are fed on bad food, and are 
exposed to severe weather. 

Shaking, dullness, anxiety, dry skin, slightly rough 
hair, and uneasiness of manner. In some cases the 
bowels are bound, the dung hard, dry, in small lumps, 
and pain attends their discharge; in other cases, the 
dung is soft and discharged frequently, and the animal 
wastes and loses her appetite and spirits. In other 
instances, again, the purging is almost constant and 
severe from the first, attended with pain, straining efforts, 
and thrusting out of the fundament. In this stage the 
discharge is watery, mixed with white shreds or dark- 
colored blood, with little or no dung, and it has a horri- 
bly bad smell. These violent symptoms may disappear, 
but the purging and wasting continue as bad as ever, or 
they stop for a short time, then begin again, and continue 
until the animal is worn out by the constant draining ; 
or they are arrested, and improvement begins and goes 
on slowly. Medicine will do no good in those very 
severe cases in which the wasting is so excessive that the 
animal is reduced to a living heap of bones, the joints 
swelled and covered with sores, the failure of strength 
great, the eyes hollow and dim, the teeth loose, and the 
parts under the jaw enlarged; the body covered with 



DYSENTERY — BLOODY FLUX. 95 

vermin ; the discharge mixed with blood or matter, and 
having a horrible smell, and the body bedewed with cold 
sweat. 

IJSr SHEEP AND PIGS. 

In these animals dysentery arises from bad food, over- 
crowded, ill ventilated styes, &c. ; it is signalized at the 
commencement by dullness, feverishness, thirst, loss of 
appetite, &c , and at a later period, by pain in the belly, 
severe straining, slimy, bloody discharges, followed by 
rapid wasting, and failure of strength. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is frequently useful at the outset of the attack, 
when the pulse is quickened, the mouth hot, &o. ; and 
when there are indications of pain in the belly. 

The most valuable remedy, however, is Mercurius Oor- 
rosivus^ which is specially adapted for those cases which 
are characterized by severe straining ; protrusion of the 
end of the bowel ; discharge of pure blood, or of slimy 
mucus mixed with blood, and of hardened excrement ; 
frequent urgings to relieve the bowel ; symptoms of 
belly-ache before, during, and after each action. 

Colocynthis comes next in valae to the last medicine ; 
. it is more particularl}^ indicated when the belly is dis- 
tended and the seat of severe colicky pains ; when the 
motions are slimy and streaked or mixed with blood ; 
and when the animal is restless and occasionally shivers. 

Ipecacuanha may sometimes be serviceable when the 
evacuations consist chiefly of slimy ^miiciis, with or 
without admixture with flakes of lymphy matter. 

Acidam Pkosphoricum should be tried after Mercurius 
Sind Cobcynthisj if the discharge of blood continues ; and 



96 DISEASES OF THE BOAVELS. 

Arsenicum when the discharge is offensive, and passed 
almost involuntarily, and when there are great weak- 
ness, wasting, and dullness. 

Doses. — 20 drops of any of the above medicines for horses and 
oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. Repeat each dose every one, 
two or three hours, according to the urgencyof the symptoms. 

Injections of starch gruel are generally of great value 
in soothing the bowel ; they may be thrown up two or 
three times a day. The food should mainly consist of 
gruel ; and after recovery, of soft fodder, &c. For some 
time, the diet must be very carefully regulated. 



i 



9.— Enteritis— Inflammation of the Bowel. 

IN HORSES. 

^ In this disease, the mucous and muscular coats of 
the bowel are inflamed, at first and chiefly. It arises 
from causes similar to those which have been enumera- 
ted as giving rise to colic, and also from twists and 
displacements of a portion of the bowel. 

In the majority of cases, enteritis begins slowly with 
dullness, staring coat, restlessness, loss of appetite, quick- 
ened pulse, &c. ; sometimes shivering is the first symp- 
tom ; at other times, colic. The pain, judging from the 
animal's behavior, varies in severity. The belly very 
tender under pressure, and tucked up. Constipation is 
usually present, unless when the attack is caused by irri- 
tant poisoning ; then there is diarrhoea, attended with 
straining. The mucous membranes of the eye and nose 
are red and highly injected. At a later period of the 
disease, symptoms of prostration come on. The pulse 



I 



inflammatio:n' of the bowel. 97 

becomes small and weak, and can hardly be felt or 
counted ; the breathing quick, jerky, and sighing ; the 
skin covered with cold, clammy sweat : the legs and ears 
as cold as ice ; the strength rapidly declines ; the muscles 
all over the body tremble and twitch ; and lastly, con- 
vulsions come on, and life is soon extinct. 

IN OXEN, SHEEP, «&e. 

In oxen, enteritis is met with, either as an occasional 
casual disease, or, from obscure causes, prevailing more 
or less widely amongst the cattle of one locality. It 
begins, as in the horse, with dullness, loss of appetite, &c., 
followed by hot, dry mouth; dry muzzle; tenderness of 
the belly, which is bloated with gas; quick pulse and 
breathing ; bowels constipated, or profusely relaxed. 
The animal is evidently in pain ; it moans, grinds its 
teeth, lies down and gets up, and wanders about in a 
state of half unconsciousness. Before long, its strength 
fails ; it staggers, falls down, cannot get up, plunges 
about, and dies. 

In sheep, the symptoms are essentially the same. 

In pigs, we observe the same dullness and uneasiness, 
accompanied by grunting and squealing, and usually 
by constant retching, or vomiting. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is generally the best remedy to begin with, 
especially when the animal is feverish and in great 
suffering. 

Belladonna is indicated by fullness of the belly ; ten- 
derness on pressure ; redness of the eyes and nose ; and 
symptoms of severe pain. 

Mercurius is indicated by great thirst; tender belly ; 



98 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

watery, offensive evacuations with more or less urging 
and straining ; the evacuations also slimy and mixed 
with blood ; prostration of strength ; shivering ; and 
perspirations. 

Arsenicum is a valuable remedy for anxiety, restless- 
ness, and rapid loss of strength ; for small weak pulse ; 
for retching and vomiting ; for looseness of the bowels ; 
for great chilliness of the ears and legs. 

^ Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Repeat each dose every fifteen or twenty minutes, according 
to the severity of the symptoms. 

The remarks on "Colic " and "Peritonitis" should 
be consulted. 

When enteritis is the consequence of poisoning with 
irritants, the treatment consists in administering a chem- 
ical antidote suitable to the special poison, and in giving 
linseed gruel freely. For the symptoms which remain, 
treat as directed above ; or as laid down imder " Diar- 
rhoea," "Constipation," "Indigestion," &c., according to 
the indications presented by the animal's condition. 

Apply fomentations externally, throw up injections 
of starch, and give gruel freely. 



10. — Enteritis with Exudation. 
TN HORSES AND OXEN". 

This is a form of enteritis, not unfrequent in these 
animals, especially the latter, signalized by the discharge 
of false membrane. The " molten grease " of the farriers 
was probably the disease under consideration. The 
shreds, and ribbons — often man}' feet long — of false 
membrane, are frequently mistaken for worms. In other 



1 



PERITONITIS. 99 

respects, the symptoms do not differ materially from those 
of enteritis as described above; excepting that there is 
less prostration and fewer deaths — in fact, recovery gen- 
erally takes place as soon as the membrane is expelled. 
With respect to treatment, consult the remarks on " En- 
teritis " and "Dysentery." 



11. — Peritonitis. 
IN HORSES. 

Peritonitis is inflammation of the serous membrane 
which lines the cavity of the abdomen and covers the 
contained organs. The inflammation may begin at a 
certain spot, and rapidly spread throughout the whole 
extent of the membrane, being confined exclusively to 
the peritoneum from first to last. Those portions of the 
peritoneum w^hich cover the liver, the stomach, the intes- 
tines, &c., are more liable to take on inflammatory action 
than that portion of it which lines the wall of the abdo- 
men. The peritonitis is then partial, and is limited to 
the particular organ which the membrane covers ; and 
it is the secondary result of inflammation beginning in 
the proper tissue of that particular organ. 

It is caused by exposure to cold and damp, by food or 
excrement passing through the ruptured stomach or 
bowels and falling into the cavity of the belly, and 
especially by stabs, and the wound of castration. 

The acute form begins with shivering, &c., followed by 
loss of appetite ; great thirst ; constipation ; scanty urine ; 
hard, wiry, quick pulse; labored breathing ; dilated nos- 
trils ; anxious expression ; and indicatioiisof pain. The 



100 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

animal looks round to his flank, paws the ground, 
crouches, &c., as in colic. The bell}^ is extremely tender 
to the touch, hot, and tense. Increased quickness and 
feebleness of pulse, clammy sweats, short breathing, 
prostration, and unconsciousness usher in death. If the 
disease has resulted from the operation of gelding, a few 
days afterwards, the yard and sheath are painful and 
swollen, and little or no matter flows from the wound. 
The animal, if in a loose box, rests his hind-quarters 
against the manger wall. The breast and legs also swell. 
Then he lies down, looks anxiously to his side, and a 
few hours afterwards expires. 

In the chronic form, the symptoms are more obscure. 
The animal is dull, off his feed, uneasy, paws the ground, 
looks round to his side, walks awkwardly with his hind 
legs, breathes fast, passes little urine, gets thin and weak, 
and looks unthrifty in his coat. The belly is tender to 
the touch, it gradually increases in size, and when per- 
cussed yields a feeling of fluctuation, from the presence 
of fluid. There is now Deopsy of the Belly. 



IN OTHER ANIMALS. 



I 



Oxen and sheep, as compared with the horse, bear 
injuries of the belly almost with impunity, and the same 
remark also applies to other animals. This has been 
tested by injecting lactic acid into the dog's belly, and 
by the operation of " spaying " swine, without serious 
results ensuing, as a rule. When it does occur, either as 
the consequence of wounds, or injuries, or from other 
causes, the general symptoms are similar to those found 
in the horse, as above detailed. 



PEEITONITIS. 101 

Treatment. 

Aconite is indicated at the commencement of the attack, 
for shivering, scanty urine, restlessness, followed by 
quick pulse and breathing, and general febrile excitement. 

Belladonna is required for tenderness and distension of 
the belly; quick, short, distressed breathing; and for 
symptoms of belly-ache. 

Bryonia is suitable when there are confined bowels; 
scanty urine ; anxious, hurried breathing; and swelling 
of the sheath, breast, &c. 

Mercurius is indicated for tenderness of the belly to 
outward pressure ; retching, vomiting, &c. 

Arsenicum is indicated for all the symptoms which are 
met with in the last stage ; such as weak and small 
pulse ; great weakness ; and also when the pain suddenly 
subsides, cold sweats break out, and the pulse becomes 
almost imperceptible — symptoms which are almost inva- 
riably the precursors of death. Swelling of the sheath 
and breast, and scanty urine, are additional symptoms. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and cow; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Repeat each dose every two or three hours, according to the 
violence of the symptoms. 

When peritonitis arises from rupture of the stomach 
or bowel, it cannot but end fatally. Those cases that 
follow castration, very often terminate in death within 
five or six days after the operation. When an abscess 
forms in the cord, it will be necessary to open it, and to 
remove a portion of the cord. 

Fomentation of water as hot as can be borne, should 
be assiduously applied to the abdomen throughout the 
continuance of the disease. In some cases it may be 
desirable to use injections. 



102 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

When fluid accumulates in the belly, the remarks on 
ascites should be consulted. 



13.— Wood Evil— Moor 111. 
IN OXEN, &e. 

The disease thus named is, rightly or wrongly, de- 
scribed as a dvsenterv due to local causes. It is found 
amongst cattle which graze on woodland pastures, moors, 
peaty and ill-drained lands ; and is believed to be caused 
by eating plants and shoots containing much astringent 
matter. It is most common in spring and autumn. 

This disease begins with diminution of all the secretions 
and excretions — the bowels are costive, the urine scanty, 
the milk lessened, &c. Oudding is suspended. Before 
long, the animal becomes dull, refuses food, drinks eagerly, 
has a hot and dry mouth, and the pulse and breathing 
are increased in frequenc}^ The mucous membrane of 
the eye and nose is injected and yellQwish. The urine 
becomes dark from admixture with blood, and smells 
strong of ammonia. The faeces are hard and coated 
with mucus alone, or tinged with blood ; and become 
subsequently liquid, offensive, and still more bloody. 
At the same time, the animal manifests all the ordinary 
symptoms of colic. If the disease should remain un- 
checked, the purging increases, the belly becomes dis- 
tended with gas, rapid wasting follows, and death ensues. 

Treatment. 

The first step is at once to remove the affected cattle 
to a new pasture. The same treatment should be 
adopted for this disease as has been recommended for 
'^dysentery." 



« 



TWISTS, ETC., OF THE BOWEL. 103 

13. — Twists, etc., of the Bowel. 

Various deviations from the natural position of the 
bowel are discovered in most of the lower animals. 
Sometimes the bowel is twisted upon itself, or entangled 
by fibrous bands, or strangulated by tumors with a long 
stalk winding round the intestine. One of the most 
common forms is called Intussusception, where a portion 
of the bowel is drawn within the canal in the same man- 
ner as the finger of a glove may be drawn inwards. The 
result is the same in all — the bowel is obstructed, no 
faeces can pass along it, symptoms of colic appear, and 
the animal dies of inflammation. Cattle and sheep are 
more subject to this last deviation than the horse. 

There are no symptoms during life which indicate 
with certainty the existence of these serious conditions. 
The animal exhibits the usual indications of suffering 
violent pain in the belly, such as are described under 
^'colic." In the great majority of cases, horses sit on their 
haunches like dogs, and this is held by some to be 
characteristic. 

All such accidents are beyond the reach of medicine. 
It has been suggested that the belly should be opened 
and the entanglement unravelled. The suggestion is 
practically useless, because there are no certain distinc- 
tive marks between simple colic and twists. Attempt- 
ing to cure colic by opening the abdomen would scarce- 
ly be good surgery. 



14.— Haemorrhoids— Piles. 
IN HORSES, OXEN, &e. 

Piles are small tumors, consisting of enlarged veins 
at the end of the rectum. They occur less frequently in 



104 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

the horse than in oxen and sheep. In the latter animals,! 
we observe stiffness in the hind legs, and disinclination tc 
move. The feces are tinged v^ith blood. The secretior 
of milk is diminished and cudding arrested. An exami-| 
nation makes known the existence of tumors in the bowel 
When these tumors burst, congealed blood is dis-" 
charged. In most cases there are symptoms of feverish- 
ness, such as quick pulse, hot mouth, loss of appetite, 
dry snout, &c. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is indicated when the animal is off his feed, 
restless, and feverish ; when the part is hot and tender to 
the touch ; and when inflammation arises in the piles, espe- 
cially if it extend, as is occasionally the case, to a large 
part of the rectum. 

Nux Vomica and Sulphur^ either singly, or in alterna- 
tion, are especially indicated when the piles are depend- 
ent on constipation. 

Mercurius is required when, besides costiveness, there 
is a discharge of slimy mucus, alone or mixed with blood. 

He-par Sulphuris is of great service when matter is 
forming. 

Doses. — 20 drops of any of the above remedies for horses and 
oxen, three or four times a day ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 

The part should be frequently bathed, and kept 
thoroughly clean, and nothing but soft food should be 
allowed till the complaint is cured. 



15. — Ascites— Dropsy of the Belly. 

Dropsy of the belly results from inflammation of the 
peritoneum, and from diseases of the liver, spleen, &c- 



PROTRUSION OF THE RECTUM. 105 

The belly is distended, and it fluctuates when percussed. 
The legs and sheath are swollen, and pit on pressure. 
The urine is scanty and the bowels constipated. 

Treatment. 

Ascites unconnected with organic disease, is generally 
curable; but when dependent on diseases of the liver, 
spleen, heart, &c., it generally ends fatally. 

The medicines most likely to be of service are the 
following : — 

Aconitum^ when the ascites is of the active kind, with 
some febrile disturbance and tenderness of the abdomen. 

Mercurius^ when the ascites is caused by disease of the 
liver. It is also indicated in active dropsies with febrile 
symptoms. 

Arsenicum^ when the ascites follows asthma, or the dis- 
appearance of skin disease, or is caused by liver disor- 
ders ; when the urine is scanty, the debility and wast- 
ing considerable, the countenance pinched and anxious, 
and the legs swollen. 

Bryonia is particularly indicated in those acute cases 
which are brought on by sudden changes of tempera- 
ture, or by exposure to cold when the body is heated. 

Helleborus^ Digitalis^ Squilla^ and Caritliaris^ are ako of 

service to some cases. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horse and cow; 10 for sliecp and pigs; 
every four hours. 



16. — Protrusion of the Rectum. 

IN ALL ANIMALS. 

The disease which bears this name is not protrusion of 
the^rectum^ but eversion of the mucous membrane of (he 



106 DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

rectum. Daring the act of stool, it is natural for this 
membrane to be a little exposed, and when the act is 
over, to be again removed from sight. The same thing 
occurs to a thickened mucous membrane, perhaps also 
the seat of piles ; with this difference, however, that the 
eversion is greater and is not temporary. Under the 
irritation of piles, worms, drastic purges, attacks of 
diarrhoea, or of dysentery, &c., the action of the bowel is 
increased and there is violent straining. The coats of 
the bowel and the muscular sphincter become lax, and 
folds of mucous membrane appear externally. But in 
true prolapsus, there is protrusion, not of one coat only, 
but of all the coats of the intestine — a comparatively rare 
accident. 

The symptoms are obvious enough. 

Treatment. 

In treating a case of this kind, the particular cause 
must be discovered and removed ; for until that be done, 
the eversion or protrusion will return shortly after the 
part has been put into its right place. The part should 
be thoroughly cleansed with douches of cold water, for 
the purpose of removing dirt, and, by astringing its 
vessels and reducing its size, enabling the operator to 
return it with greater facility. After having dried the 
surface, the part should be returned as gently as possi- 
ble. The difficulty is, not to get it in, but to keep it in. 
Cold injections are beneficial. The remedies for piles, 
or for worms, or for diarrhoea — whatever be the cause of 
the disorder — must be given. In obstinate cases, which 
do not yield to these measures because of great laxit}^ of 
tissue, an operation is necessarj^ 



CHAPTER VII 
DISEASES OF THE LIVER, SPLEEN, ETC, 



1. — Jaundice — The Yellow^s. 
IN HORSES, OXEN, &c. 

Jaundice occurs in horses as a symptom of inflamma- 
tion of the liver, and frequently of inflammation of the 
lungs ; in oxen, as a symptom of rinderpest, and in all 
animals as a symptom of congested and of sluggish liver, 
as well as of obstruction or pressure acting on the gall- 
ducts. It is met with in sheep more frequently than in 
other domestic animals. 

The symptoms of simple jaundice are sufficiently 
obvious. The mucous membrane of the eye and the 
skin are tinged with a more or less deep yellow color. 
The urine is dark colored, from the presence of bile in 
it, as may be known by the yellow stain produced on 
linen moistened with urine. The feces are hard, dry, 
and covered with slimy mucus. The tongue is furred 
and slimy, and the breath ofl'ensive. There is little or 
no appetite. Wasting of the body and swelling of the 
legs ensue. 



108 DISEASES OF THE LIVER, ETC. 

Treatment. 

When there does not appear to be any other disorder 
present save jaundice, the following remedies usually 
prove the most serviceable : — 

Aconite^ at the beginning of such cases as are attended 
with feverishness — hot skin, dry mouth, thirst, quickened 
pulse, &c. 

Mercurius is indicated when there is pain in the right 
shoulder, as is shown by lameness of the right leg and 
tenderness on pressure ; by the yellow color of the eyes 
and skin ; by the slimy evacuations ; by loss of appe- 
tite, &c. 

Chelidonium Majus is useful for distension from wind, 
dark urine, costive bowels, coated tongue, yellow eyes, 
whitish faeces, &c. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
One dose every three hours. 

The treatment of jaundice as a symptom is of course 

that of the major disease, whatever it may be. Also 

refer to the following remarks on inflammation of the 

liver. > 



S. — Hepatitis — Inflammation of the Liver. 
IN HOUSES. 

Inflammation is often mistaken during life for con- 
gestion — in fact the two conditions can scarcely be 
distinguished in the domestic animals. Not only so, 
but the symptoms of either one or the other are so 
obscure and ambiguous as often to be misconstrued or 
overlooked. Both arise chiefly from high feeding, and 
hence are often found in city dray-horses. 

In the acute form of the disease, the horse is dull, 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 109 

listless, and unwilling to move ; tlie feces are dark and 
lumpy, sometimes of a lighter color than usual and a 
most offensive smell ; the urine high-colored and scanty ; 
the appetite bad. The feverishness may be very slight, 
or it may run high. The membrane of the eye is 
yellow; the mouth soapy and foul. Sometimes the 
pulse is quickened, sometimes remarkably slow. Lame- 
ness of the right leg is common, from pain in the shoul- 
der, just as in the human disease ; and this lameness is 
often attributed to a wrong cause, and mis-treated accor- 
dingly. In bad cases, the pulse becomes weaker, the 
breathing quickened, the legs cold, and the animal, weak, 
sleepy and staggering, dies ere long. In some cases, 
dropsy comes on. 

In the chronic form, the symptoms are of much the 
same character, only they are slow in their progress. 
There is pain in the right shoulder, known by flinching 
on pressure, lameness, and pawing the ground. 

Inflammation of the liver ends in recovery or in 
abscess ; or in the chronic form which lays the founda- 
tion of incurable enlargement, and softening. In old- 
standing disorganization of the liver, death often takes 
place from rupture and internal bleeding. If a fat horse 
with a low pulse and lame in the right fore-leg is sud- 
denly seized, after severe exertion or even without, with 
colicky pains, anxious expression, cold legs and ears, and 
great prostration, it is probable that the liver has been 
ruptured. Frequent, deep sighing is a characteristic 
symptom. 

IN OXEN, SHEEP, &c. 

In other animals, sheep especially, diseases of the 
liver are more common than in the horse. Abscesses 



110 DISEASES OF THE LIVER, ETC. 

and great alteration of structure have been met with, 
although'nothing very much amiss was observed during 
life. 

^The symptoms and results are substantially the same 
as in the horse. 

Treatnient, 

Aconitum should be given when the fever is high, the 
skin hot, the tongue furred ; and when there are thirst, 
restlessness, and pain on pressure in the region of the 
liver. 

Mercurhis is indicated when the whites of the eyes, 
and the skin generally, present a yellow color; when the 
tongue has a yellowish fur, and the evacuations are 
knotty, and clay-colored. 

Nux Vomica is suitable against great tenderness on 
pressure in the hepatic region, vomiting, thirst, high- 
colored urine, costiveness. 

Arsenicum is especially indicated after the disease has 
made some progress, and when typhoid symptoms are 
appearing, such as vomiting; offensive, blackish diar- 
rhoea ; cold legs, great prostration ; weak, small, irregu- 
lar pulse. It is also suitable in the chronic form of 
hepatitis, when the liver is enlarged, the urine scanty, 11 
and dropsy of the belly present ; or when the disease ■ 
occurs in connexion with mange, or other skin eruption. 

Digitalis is an important remedy against intermittent, 
and frequent pulse ; evacuations dry, and ash-colored ; 
urine thick and brown ; pain in the side, &c. 

Podophylin should take the place of Mercurius for the 
same symptoms, when that drug either fails to do good, 
or has already been given in too large doses. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sbeep and pigs. 



FLUKES IN THE LIVER. Ill 

3.— Flukes in the Liver— Rot. 
IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

The fluke-worm, or distoma hepaticum^ is found in the 
liver of sheep much more frequently than in that of oxen, 
and is associated, in the former animals, with a peculiar 
condition of the system, which one writer quaintly calls 
" a direful ru.in of the general health and constitution." 
This so-called fluke disease has proved most destructive 
to sheep in certain years, notably in 1860. 

Rot is most prevalent in low, damp, marshy, flooded 
pastures, with rank grasses. The eggs of the perfect 
worm are found abundantly in the sheep's liver ; they 
pass along the gall-duct into the bowel and thence are 
discharged. They are washed into pools or brooks by 
rain, or Ml on the grass ; in either case, many die, 
whilst others are hatched. The embryos are eaten by 
moUusks and the other inhabitants of pools, and sheep 
swallow the latter. The immature worm then reaches 
the liver of its host, where generative organs are devel- 
oped, and eggs are laid for the next generation. Such 
is a brief sketch of the changes which these worms are 
believed to undergo. 

The symptoms of rot generally come on gradually. 
Tn the former case, the sheep appear dull and listless, 
and slowly lose flesh and strength. The membrane of 
the eye and the skin presents a yellow tinge, more or 
less deep. When patches of wool drop off, this color of 
the skin is well seen. Both the pulse and breathing are 
increased in frequency. Quick, short breathing, and 
slight, irritating cough ordinarily attend those cases that 
have worms (strongyli) in the air-passages, as well as 



112 DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 

flukes in the liver. There is great thirst and loss of 

appetite. At a later period, dropsical swellings make 

their appearance in different parts — in the belly, causing 

the belly to become swollen and the back stiff, and also 

about the throat. At this stage purging is a frequent 

symptom. In bad cases, the weakness gradually 

increases, and the animal becomes dull and stupid, and 

dies before long. 

Treatment. 

In this disease change of diet is of prime importance. 
All affected animals should be at once removed to a 
better pasture, and be fed on nourishing food, such as 
peas, corn, beans, &c. A supply of common salt is also 
advisable. Purging is burtfal, because it increases the 
already existing weakness. 

The best medicines are Arsenicum and Ferri Sulphus — 
giving them simply for a week at a time, or alternately. 

Doses. — Two grains three times a day. . 



II 



4. — Splenic Apoplexy. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

This is the current name for a disease, very common 
amongst ruminants, which consists of congestion and 
extravasation of blood in the spleen. It would appear 
to be a pure blood disease, the spleen being the organ 
chiefly involved in the local destructive effects. 

In principally attacks high-conditioned animals, or 
otliers that have been turned from poor into rich pastures. 
It is also rife where drinking water contains organic im- 
purities, and on badly drained lands in hot seasons. 

Serious and even fatal results, arise when pigs and 



SPLENIC APOPLEXY. 113 

other animals swallow the blood, flesh, or offal of cows 
or sheep that have died of this disease. 

The disease comes' on suddenly and without warning, 
and often destroys life in a few hours — from three to 
eighteen, in the majority of cases. At first the animal 
appears to be excited and the eye-balls protrude. Pres- 
ently, it is uneasy and restless, and manifests the usual 
symptoms attending pain in the belly. The urine and 
fseces are often tinged or mixed w^ith blood. The back 
is arched and the animal remains fixed in one position. 
The breathing is short and quick ; the pulse quick, and, 
in the last stage, weak and imperceptible. Before death 
the animal falls dowm ; a reddish, frothy discharge flows 
from the nostrils ; the muscles twitch ; the legs and ears 
are deadly cold ; the teeth are ground ; and the 
animal moans or bellows. 

In sheep, the symptoms are identical with those just 
described as occurring in oxen and cows. 

Treatment. 

In order to prevent the disease and to arrest its rava- 
ges, it is necessary to change the pasturage and drinking- 
water, and to attend to drainage, &c. In the medical 
treatment, small success attends any means whatever. 
Dashing cold water over the body and causing the affected 
animals to be rapidly moved about, are said to be useful. 

The best remedies are : — 

Ammonium Gausticum in tlie early stage, when the 
balance of the circulation is disturbed, and blood begins 
to stagnate in the spleen. 

Dose. — Mix one part of the strong liquor with seven of water 
— of this mixture give 20 drops every hah hour, or hour, until 
there is improvement. 



114 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 



Arsenicum is of great service for purging, pains in the 
bowels, bloody discharges from the mouth, prostration of 
strength, &c. ; but such symptoms almost invariably end 
in death. 

China may be tried, should the case recur, and there 
be symptoms of enlarged liver. 

Doses — Of the two last medicines, 20 drops, every 4 hours ; for 
sheep, 10 drops. 



CHAPTEE YIII. 
DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS, BLADDER, ETC. 



1.— Nephritis — Inflammation of the Kidneys. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Nephritis is an occasional, and at all times a most 
dangerous disease in animals. It may be caused by the 
presence of a stone ; by various injuries, such as blows, 
sprains, &c., on the loins ; it may follow chronic diseases 
of the bladder, and the employment of cantharides and 
turpentine. Blisters consisting of cantharides are still 
largely used ; they are really unnecessary in the cure of 
any disease, and are undoubtedly painful. They are also 
dangerous ; for the animal may use his tongue and swal- 
low some of the blister, and nephritis may be the conse- 
quence. 

The use of diuretic balls by grooms and others is also 
a very frequent cause of this disease. 

In this disease, the pulse is hard and quick ; the 
breathing hurried ; the skin hot and dry ; the mouth hot ; 
the bowels costive ; the urine very scanty, passed in very 
small quantity with frequent urging, and sometimes 
mixed with blood or matter. There is also intense thirst 



116 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 

The attitude and beliavior of the animal is almost char- 
acteristic. The hind legs are stiff and kept widely 
apart, and there is the greatest reluctance to move. — 
When he is compelled to move, he does so in a stiffened, 
constrained manner, and may walk lame. The loins are 
hot, arched, and very tender, so that pressure caused 
flinching. At a later stage, in unfavorable cases, the 
breath and perspiration smell of urine, the animal be- 
comes depressed and sleepy, and ere long falls down, 
struggles, and dies. 

Treatment. 

Throw^ up occasionally a glyster of hot water, give 
plenty of linseed tea or barley for drink, and apply warm 
fomentations, or a sheep's hot skin to the loins. The 
best remedies are the following : — 

Grive Aconite in the early stage, when the symptoms 
of fever are marked, such as, hot skin and mouth ; quick 
pulse and breathing ; great thirst ; urine scanty, &c. 

When, as is occasionally the case, the disease is trace- 
able to bad food, such as mow-burnt hay, kiln-dried oats, 
&c., give Nux Vomica^ especially if frequent urging to 
pass urine be present, in company with indications of 
colicky pains, looking round to the side, &c. 

Gamphor may have to be administered as an antidote, 
when the disease arises from spanish-fly, used in a blister 
or otherwise. 

Cantharis is an excellent remedy in cases not due to 
that drug, when the urine is scanty and discharged in 
small quantities with urging efforts, and also when it is 
mixed with blood. "^ 



* Refer to the remarks on " Haematuria.' 



DIABETES INSIPIDUS. 117 

Arnica may prove useful when the disease has resulted 
from injuries to the back ; and Rhus Tox, when from 
sprains, &c. Both may, in such cases, respectively, be 
applied externally in the form of a lotion.^ 

Mercurius Gorr, is indicated in the advanced stages, 
when the disease has gone on to the formation of matter, 
or to enlargement. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. — 
Each dose to be repeated every two, three, or four hours, ac- 
cording to the urgency of the symptoms. 



2.— Diabetes Insipidus— Profuse Staling. 
I3Sr HORSES, &c. 

Here there is excessive secretion and discharge of 
urine. It is met with most frequently in horses ; com- 
paratively rarely in the other lower animals. 

Musty or otherwise damaged oats and hay are very 
apt to bring on this disorder ; and then it is associated 
with indigestion. In sheep, it has been ascribed to eat- 
ing certain plants, including ascloepias^ vincetoxicum^ 
anemone nemorosa^ &c. The use of diuretics, such as 
nitre, may induce it. 

The symptoms present no difficulty. The animal eats 
less than usual, is soon tired, sweats easily, and is weak 
and dull. The skin is dry and rough. There is intense 
thirst, and a disposition to lick the wall and to cat all 
sorts of rubbish. The mouth is dry and clammy, the 



* See list of external applications. 



113 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 

tongue furred, and the breath offensive. The urine is 
perfectly clear, or more or less milky looking ; it is 
passed frequently in enormous quantities, and is altered 
in its chemical composition. The animal rapidly sinks 
in flesh and strength, and. in rapid cases, attended with 
very profuse staling, dies from exhaustion in a few days 
or weeks ; in slow cases, not before a few months. 

Diabetes Mellitus, in which sugar exists in urine, 
has been occasionally met with in animals, but it is much 
more rare than the disease above described. Both dis- 
eases are as yet but ill understood, and deserve further 
investigation by the veterinarian. In both, the general 
symptoms are the same. 

Treatment. 

Affected animals must at once be placed on different 
food and pasture. Good old hay in moderate quantities 
is the best. Carrots are good. Xot much water should 
be allowed, and to that little, add pease meal, or flour 
gruel. 

The most likely medicines to be of service are : — 
Ascidura Phosphor icurn, which should be first tried, when 
the urine is largely increased, and the animal weak and 
wasted. 

Xux Yon dm is indicated when.* in addition to the 
symptoms above described, there are those of indigestion. 

These two failing. Baryta Carhonica and lodium should 
be administered. 

Doses. — 20 drops for hordes and oxen. Repeat each dose every 
two, four, six, or eight hours, according to the severity of the 
symptoms. 



SCANTY URINE. - 119 

Case. * 

The following case illustrates the symptoms and treat- 
ment of a common form of this disease : — 

On August 16th, 1853, a horse belonging to Mr. John Hewitt, 
coach proprietor, Manchester, presented the following : 

Symptoms. — Pulse 28 and weak ; respiration normal ; the whole 
body is very cold, the legs particularlj' so ; the hair rough, un- 
glossy, and staring ; the tongue is of a dirty yellowish color, and 
some half masticated food remains in the mouth ; the appetite is 
both impaired and depraved, for the animal manifests a predilection 
for dirty litter, and refuses to partake of good diet ; frequent mic- 
turition ; urine profuse, clear and limpid ; the bowels are consti- 
pated, and the faeces are enveloped in mucus. 

To have 20 drops of Nux Vomica 1, three times daily. 

19^^.— Skin of the proper temperature and appearance; tongue 
clean ; appetite much improved ; faeces and urine natural, both as 
regards amount and character. 

Continue medicine. 

20^/i. — Convalescent. The horse has worked a job of sixteen 
miles. 



3. — Scanty ITrine. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

In a great number of diseases, the urine is scanty, as 
a symptom. It is also more or less diminished in hot 
weather, and when the animal is worked, or much exer- 
cised, because then a large quantity of the fluid of the 
body is carried off by the skin. 

It occasionally happens, however, that the hoi\<e, for 
example, suffers from scanty urine and nothing more, 
attended with some more than usual efforts to relieve 



* Qttoted from ''Vetcriuary Homoepathy Uluytrated..'' 



120 DISEASES OF THE KID^'EYS. 

liiinseif — a state of things which knowing grooms con- 
sider as requiring a '' staling ball." 

In such a case as this, instead of giving a drug that 
m^j set up an awkward amount of irritation, recourse 
should be had to Arsenicum or Bryonia^ three times a 
day, until the above S3'mptoms pass olf. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 



I 



4. — Retention of Urine. 
IN HOUSES, OXEN, &e. 

Here there is urine in the bladder requiring to be 
voided ; but either the expulsive power is abseiit, or the 
natural channel is obstructed. 

Eetention arises from a variety of causes, the chief of 
which are: — Parah^sis of the bladder, or spasm of itS' 
neck ; stones lying at the neck of the bladder ; enlarged 
prostate gland ; stones or worms in the canal ; contrac- 
tions of this canal, &c. Male animals are more subject 
to it than females. 

The sjanptoms are: — Firsts Distention of the bladder; 
a state of things which any experienced person can sat- 
isfy himself of, by making the proper examination 
through the rectum or vagina ; in a word, the bladder is 
found full of urine. Secondly^ There is pain on pressing 
over the bladder in the pubic region, and dullness when 
percussing it. Thirdly^ The animal lies, and shifts about 
from one place to another ; when made to walk, he does 
so unwillingly, with back arched and straggling gait— 
Fourthly, There are frequent, strong, straining efforts to 



k 



RETENTION OF UIIINE. 121 

urinate, but inability to do so ; tliese efforts gradually 
abate, as the bladder loses its sensibility. Fifthly^ Not 
only is there inability to pass urine — retention of urine 
— but there is no power to hold it, and the fluid slowly 
dribbles away — incontinence of urine. This happens 
only when the resistence to escape at the neck of the 
bladder is overcome b}^ the pressure of the fluid behind ; 
showing that incontinence is, in a majority of cases, a 
symptom of retention. 

In the horse, especially, this condition is apt to be re- 
garded by inexperienced persons, as that of colic, from 
the circumstance of there being, in colic, diminished 
secretion of urine. Nevertheless, there are many cases 
of undoubted colic attended with frequent attempts to 
urinate, and the two diseases cannot, as some writers as- 
sert, be distinguished merely by that symptom. 

Treatment. 

The immediate danger is to be overcome by emptying 
the bladder by means of the catheter — an instrument 
which can be introduced without much difficulty in the 
horse and all female animals. In the ox it is impossible, 
owing to the curve in the latter's penis. Whenever the 
catheter fails, or cannot be employed, the urethra (urine 
tube) requires to be opened in the perini\3um. An ope- 
ration is also required, especially in the horse, when the 
obstruction depends on stone. 

In other cases, the following remedies are of service : — 

Nux Vomica, when the bladder is paralyzed or w^eak, 
and when the retention arises from constipated bo^vels. 

Cantharis^ when the urine is bloody, and passed with 
strong, straining efforts, in small quantities. 

6" 



122 DISEASES OF THE LIVER. 

Belladonna^ when the retention appears to arise from 
spasm of the neck of the bladder. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. A 
dose every two hours. 

Injections of warm water into the rectum are often 
valuable. Small animals should have a warm bath, but 
not too warm, and only for a minute or two. 



5.— Hsematuria— Bloody Urine. 
IN HORSES, OXEN, &c. 

This condition is of frequent occurrence amongst the 
lower animals. It arises from blows, sprains, and any 
manner of injury involving the region of the kidney, 
caused by overloading, jumping, &c. It is a common 
symptom of stone in the kidney and bladder, of various 
diseases of these organs and their appendages, and of 
purpura haemorrhagica ; and frequently follows calving. 

In hematuria consequent upon strains, injuries, &c., 
we find pain in the loins when they are pressed upon, 
some degree of feverishness, and discharge of clotted 
blood, alone or along with the urine. This form is very 
apt to recur, especially if the affected animal return to 
work too soon, or be overworked. 

Another form of haematuria is that which prevails 
extensively in certain districts, affecting all herb-eaters 
more or less, and said to be produced by eating various 
hurtful plants and young trees, including arnica, aconite, 
digitalis, genista hispanica, &c. At first, the urine is 
scanty and reddish; subsequently, bloody and dis- 
charged with, ardent pain. The pulse is quickened, the 



I 



HEMATURIA — BLOODY URINE. 123 

appetite lost, the mouth hot, and the coat staring — all 
symptoms of febrile excitement attendant upon activ^e 
congestion of the kidney, which may run on to inflam- 
mation and abscess. 

A third form is met with in animals pasturing on poor, 
and badly-drained land, and prevails most in wet sea- 
sons. Stall-fed cattle, living on turnips, are very subject 
to it ; it is rarely observed where rich fodder is provided. 
It constitutes what is commonly called Red Water, so often 
prevailing amongst cows ; a disease characterized by debil- 
ity and poorness of blood. This disorder begins slowly 
with loss of appetite, staring coat, dullness, tender loins, 
&c. Then the urine is observed to be higher colored 
than usual, and the milk is often tinged red. The ani- 
mal becomes weak, the breathing quick, the pulse small 
and feeble, and the legs, ears, and horns cold. Gadding 
and secretion of milk are suspended. The membrane 
of the eye is whitish, or, when jaundice co-exists, tinged 
yellow. Generally the bowels are very costive, some- 
times relaxed. At a later period, the urine becomes 
still more strongly colored red, and may become even 
black, strength and flesh fast decline, the eyeballs sink 
in their sockets, and death soon occurs from exhaii-tion. 

Treatment. 

In the first form, where the bloody urine has resulted 
from injuries, blows, &c., the animal must be kept at 
rest, and have cold water injections thrown up the rec- 
tum, or cold water poured on the loins. Aniica should 
be administered inwardly, and Arnica Lotion'^ ajiplied 
externally. When it is merely a symptom of stcne, or 

*See list of external applications. 



124 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 

of diseased kidne}^, &c., the major disease must be 
treated. 

In the second form the animal must be removed from 
the injurious pasture and fed on soft food, including lin- 
seed tea. 

Aconite should be given when there are symptoms of 
feverishness, such as hot mouth, quick pulse, diminished 
secretions, etc. 

Caniliaris^ when, in additicn to there being blood 
passed alone or mixed with urine, there are forcing 
efforts to pass it, attended w^ith pain. 

Terehintha is sometimes of greater service than the last 
medicine for the same symptoms. 

In the third form, stop turnips and give generous 
diet, plent}' of linseed gruel, etc. 

The best remedies are Cantharis and Terehintha. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Give a dose every three hours. 



6.— Cystitis — Inflammation of the Bladder. 
I3Sr ALL ANIMALS. 

Amongst the causes of cystitis may be enumerated : 
exposure to damp and cold, injuries, extension of inflam- 
mation from the kidneys, the irritation produced by a 
stone, by cantharides, etc. 

The symptoms are frequent pulse, restlessness, and 
general constitutional disturbance. There is trembling 
of the hind legs, attended with frequent efforts to void 
urine, which is either not discharged at all, or passes 
away dixip by drop. After the evacuation of the urine, 
the pain subsides for a time. When the animal, during 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDEE. 125 

the pain, looks round to his flank, etc., an inexperienced 
person may think that the case is one of simple colic ; 
but the evident and unmistakable urinary difficulty will 
make the nature of the case plain. That portion of the 
belly in which the bladder is situated is hot and tender, 
when examined with the fingers. "When the bladder is 
examined through the rectum or vagina much pain is 
felt. The urine varies in its appearance, being either 
clear, or mixed with either mucus, sediment, or blood. 
If the disease go on, other symptoms make their appear- 
ance. The bladder, previously so irritable that it con- 
tracted with the greatest force on even a few drops of 
water, now loses its power, and the urine gradually 
accumulates within it. The muscular wall is in fact 
paralyzed. When the coats of the bladder are so much 
stretched that further dilatation is impossible, the neck 
of the bladder yields and the urine dribbles away invol- 
untarily. 

Treatment. 

When there are quick pulse ; frequent desire to 
urinate, discharge of scanty, bloody, turbid urine ; pain 
on pressure in the region of the bladder, give Aconite. 

When the urine is discharged drop by drop with 
great force ; the pain increased during the act of passing 
it; the region of the bladder painful and distended, give 
Cantharis. 

Nux Vomica is another good remedy for the last men- 
tioned symptoms, and may be used in the rare event of 
Cantharis failing. 

Linseed tea, etc., should be freely administered. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for slicop and pigs. 
Repeat each dose every two or three hours. 



126 DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. 

7. — Calculi— Stones. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Stones met with in the urinary apparatus are named 
according to the particular part in which they are 
lodged. 

1. — In the Kidney. — Stones in one or both kidneys 
have been found in all animals, the horse and pig in 
particular. Tenderness of the loins, discharge of blood, 
and attacks of pain with manifestation of colicky suffer- 
ings are the chief symptoms, but they are not character- 
istic. 

2. — In the Ureter. — Stones sometimes pass from the 
kidney into the tube leading to the bladder, but this is 
rare, owing to the horizontal position of the ureter. In 
its passage, most severe pain is excited. If it should be 
arrested in its course, the urine collects in the kidney 
and seriously injures that organ. This is specially the 
case in the pig. 

3. — lathe Bladder. — The chief symptoms are: — strad- 
dling manner of walking, the hind legs separated, fre- 
quent efforts to pass urine, stoppage of urine, bloody 
urine, dribbling, and detection of the stone by passing 
the hand into the rectum to examine the bladder — into 
the vagina in female animals; or by using a "sound," 
when this is feasible. 

4. — In the Urethra. — In male animals, stones frequently 
lodge in the tube for the passage of urine outwards from 
the bladder, and, obstructing the flow of urine, set up col- 
icky symptoms. Sheep and rams are especially subject 
to this. 

5. — In the Prepuce^ or Fore-skin, — Most common in 
horses and pigs, and inducing difl&culty in urinating. 



i 



DIFFICULTY IN URINATING. 127 

Treatment. 

For the attacks of pain attending stone, and for urina- 
ry difficulties so often met with from stone, treat as 
directed under "Colic," and under individual heads in 
this chapter. Stone lodged in the bladder and urethra 
must be removed by operation ; otherwise, a radical cure 
cannot be effected. 



8. — Dysuria — DiJaBLculty in Urinating. 

Case in Hoese.* 

In July, 1851, Mr. Tinsley, of Warrington, consulted me respect- 
ing a valuable carriage-horse. The following symptoms were fur- 
nished to me : In external appearance the animal is well, and eats 
and works as usual. He has, however, the greatest difficulty in 
urinating; places himself in the necessary attitude, and strains fre- 
quently and with considerable force, for upwards of an hour — when 
the urine comes freely and he is at ease ; sometimes a few drops are 
spirted out. Allopathic drugs have been given wholesale for a long 
time^ loithoiit doing the slightest good. 

1 prescribed 20 drops of Aconite, 1st dilution, in the morning, 
and the same of Arsenicum, _ at night. 

At the end of the week I received information that my patient 
was very much improved, and I was asked for more of the same 
medicines. 

Six weeks later I was informed that owing to the owner's absence, 
the medicines had not been continued, and the horse was occasion- 
ally affected with slight symptoms of the old complaint. 

The medicines were again given, and a cure effected in another 
week. 

A few days ago— I now write on September 14th, li858 — Mr. T. 
told me that his horse had been perfectly well ever since. 



♦Quoted from Brit. Journal of Horn, for 1858. 



' OHAPTEK IX. 
DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 



1.— Abortion. 

No domestic animals perhaps require nearly so much 
or such constant and immediate care during pregnancy 
as cows, for none are so liable to incomplete, premature, 
unproductive, dangerous, or fatal deliveries. It might 
almost be said, that irregularities in gestation are the 
more probable contingencies. Abortion, or, as it is 
technically called, ^^ slinking ^'^ abruptly terminates the 
pregnancy of cows under an endless variety of circum- 
stances. 

It may be termed a species of epidemic disease spread- 
ing unaccountably amongst cattle, and continuing to 
affect them for years. In the majority of cases, how- 
ever, it is rather of accidental or other local origin, than 
attributable to epidemy. Nor even when introduced 1 1 
amongst particular herds by the admission of a strange 
cow previously subject to abortion, can it properly be 
termed epidemic, for even then the original cause may 
be traced to a particularity, not a generality. 

It may very properly be termed an endemic disease. 



ABORTION. 129 

affecting all the cattl.e in particular localities, and arising 
in such cases from the stimulating, acrid, or other mis- 
chievous nature of the food, from the peculiarity of the 
water habitually drunk b}^ the cattle ; such, for instance, 
as the presence oi chalybeate infusions ; from the peculiar 
nature of the atmosphere, &c. 

It may decidedly be looked upon as sympathetic, 
being induced even by the presence of a cow addicted to 
abortion, by the odors emanating from the discharges 
accompanying or following it, and many similar causes. 
Wherefore every precaution should be taken to neutra- 
lize odors, to cleanse the spot, whether within or out of 
the stable or shed, to remove all other cattle to a dis- 
tance, and to sink the abortive calf deep into the ground, 
and in some spot entirely unfrequented by the cattle, 
such as a wood or garden, as far from the range of the 
pastures and cow-houses as possible. 

There is no question but that abortion is hereditary in 
the few instances in which a cow, prone to slinking^ has 
succeeded in rearing her calf Wherefore, we should 
strongly discourage the breeder from ever rearing such 
calves (if female) for milch cows, and recommend him 
either to dispatch them for slaughter, as calves, or to rear 
them for fatting only. 

Again : abortion may be considered hereditary in an- 
other respect, as dependent upon hereditary defects of 
constitution. Wherefore, a cow of general unhealthy 
habit, and especially if unkindly and indicative of the 
presence of consumption, should never be appropriated 
to purposes of breeding. 

Abortion may justly be held to be periodical or rathe)* 
atmospheric^ for it is very well ascertained tlmt it becomes 



180 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

peculiarly prevalent during certain seasons, under par- 
ticular conditions of weather, &c. 

Abortion is often, and perhaps most frequently, de- 
nominated as accidental, and may be occasioned by any 
circumstances which tend to interfere with, or to inter- 
rupt, the regular operation of any particular function; 
for it must not be forgotten that the cow is of a pecu- 
liarly hysterical temperament^ that is to saj^, that anything 
which affects the beast in ever so slight a degree, is 
likely, especially during pregnancy, to react upon the 
womb, and ma}^ sometimes affect d^, future pregnancy when 
the cow is not actually in calf at the time. Amongst 
these general accidental causes of abortion, we may num- 
ber fright (from any cause) ; excess of food ; over-stim- 
ulating food ; plethoric condition arising out of food or 
confinement ; want of fresh air and free scope ; foul, 
close, unhealthy cow-houses ; deficient or unwholesome 
food ; acute diseases in general, especially those of an 
inflammatory nature ; sudden changes of pasture or stall 
food; as also mechanical injuries, and intercourse with 
the male during pregnancy, &c. 



2.— Premonitory Signs of Abortion, Precau- 
tions against it, and General Treatment 
to Follow it. 

Cows which have once slinked a calf should be con- 
stantly watched, especiallj^ about the twentieth week of 
pregnancy, and from that time to a period varying from 
seven to four weeks before the estimated period of par- 
turition. By observing this precaution, proper general 



ABORTION. 131 

treatment and proper remedies may be resorted to in 
time to arrest any untoward consequences. 

The approacli of abortion will be distinguishable in 
the gait and movements of the animal, which will have 
a tendency to retain the same position, whether recum- 
bent or erect. The movements of the calf in the womb 
will be less distinctly observable, and whereas, under 
propitious circumstances, these movements would be pal- 
pable externally to the eye, it will be necessary, on the 
near approach of slinking, to place the palm of the hand 
upon the right flank, towards the hind quarters, in order 
to distinguish them ; the cow will feed but irregularly, 
evidently without relish, insufl&ciently, and without ru- 
minating ; the belly will droop, lose its sideway fulness 
and roundness, and become lank. This last will more 
especially be the case when the calf is dead, under which 
circumstance all motion will have ceased ; the pace will 
be uncertain and wavering ; the milk will fail ; and, as 
the premature labor becomes imminent (and almost al- 
ways unavoidable, but invariably so when there are 
symptoms of decomposition), sounds indicative of pain 
will be emitted ; the respiration becomes catching, inter- 
rupted, irregular, and difficult ; a discharge either of a 
yellowish or darker and bloody hue exudes from the 
parts, which, if very offensive, indicates the decomposi- 
tion of the contents of the womb ; and the pulse indi- 
cates considerable prostration (much resembling that at- 
tendant upon the low species of nervous fever), and is 
frequently very irregular ; sometimes even barely per- 
ceptible. 

The homoeopathic treatment is especially adapted to 
approaching abortion ; the homooopathist possesses a pe- 



132 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

culiar advantage in having direct specifics to employ 
against tlie disease, whereby, even in cases in which he 
might mistake the precursory for more imminent symp- 
toms, his treatment will have been as apposite to prevent^ 
as it would later be io facilitate^ the deposition of the calf. 

The after-treatment of cows, which have slinked their 
calves, should consist in the most expeditious removal 
of all offal, in treatment to promote the ejection of the 
after-birth, and if necessary, of mechanical means for 
this purpose ; in thoroughly cleansing the animal and its 
litter, and in allowing the free circulation of fresh air. 
The only food allowable immediately before or after 
abortion, should consist of thin gruel, slightly warm. 

The subsequent treatment of all cows, which have 
prematurely deposited their calves (except in some rare 
cases in which mechanical injuries are purely the cause 
of the accident), may be summed up in four words, — 
get rid of them ! 



3. — Parturition; Its Treatment. 

The delivery of the calf either takes place in due and 
proper course, and without difficulty, or it is impeded, 
painful, slow, very difficult, or even totally arrested. In 
the former case, little or no interference is requisite, other 
than to watch the progress of the labor, to be at hand 
at the moment of delivery, and to render every assist- 
ance to the cow and calf, as well as to see that the after- 
birth is properly ejected. If the latter is the case, how- 
ever, and the labor has continued ineffectually for nine 
or ten hours, medicinal, or even mechanical, interference 
becomes necessary. 



II 



PARTURITION. 133 

The removal of the after-birth will sometimes require 
medicinal, or even mechanical, interference, but this is 
rarely the case. As soon, therefore, as the labor is safely 
brought to an issue, we should content ourselves with 
placing the calf immediately within reach of the mother, 
and with seeing that a thin mash of tepid gruel is given 
to her. The suckling of the calf should be encouraged 
and facilitated (unless there be profuse and prolonged 
discharges of blood, when it must be withheld) ; and if 
the calf does not suck freely, we should resort to the ex- 
pedient of drawing off the milk. But, under any cir- 
cumstances, we should not remove the calf from the 
mother without sufficient reason. The process of lick- 
ing, to which the cow submits its vouno^, is alike advan- 
tageous to both. In the event of profuse and prolonged 
discharges of blood following delivery, we should have 
recourse to the medicinal treatment hereinafter recom- 
mended under the head of "Parturition." 

Approaching parturition is indicated by the following 
symptoms, and, when these are present, the cow should 
be conveyed to a place where she will not be exposed 
either to the inclemency of the weather, or to accidental 
intrusion or interference, quiet being essential to her. — 
Cold water should be sedulously kept out of her reach, 
because, if at hand, the febrile action, which in all cases, 
more or less, accompanies calving, will induce an inclina- 
tion to drink it, and the pains may thereby be so for 
modified as to render them inadequate to the expulsion 
of the calf. We may allow harmless warm drinks, such 
as unstimulating mashes, gruel, &c. 

The premonitory symptoms are generally tliese : Great 
uneasiness, gradually increasing, tlu^ cow constaiitly 



134 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

changing position, as, for instance, laying down as soon 
as it has got up, and vice versa ; the discharge from the 
passage, such as has already been described under the 
head of '^Abortion;" the sudden distension of the ud- 
der, — the appearance of the belly being such as has al- 
ready been described ; a peculiar, slow, periodical moan, 
which is only heard on the approach of or during labor ; 
the swelling of the parts, and afterwards a peculiar mus- 
cular action of a forcing description, which regularly ac- 
companies the recurrence of the pains. As labor ap- 
proaches or begins, the pains become more regular, evi- 
dently more violent and quicker in succession, and the 
pulse and respiration quicker. During the whole of this 
time we should abstain from meddling with the beast ; 
but when, from the presence of certain discharges, or 
from the length of time since the commencement of the 
labor, we have reason to believe that the delivery should 
be at hand, we should proceed to examine the cow, for 
the purpose of ascertaining the position and advance- 
ment of the calf, and Vv^hether or not there be any hin- 
derance in the construction of the cow which will impede 
its progress. 

The position or formation of the calf is either natural 
or unnatural. 

1st. In its natural position, it should be extended on 
its stomach, with the back upwards, (relatively to an 
erect position of the cow) and it should advance in the 
passage by the fore legs projecting forward, the head be- 
ing also stretched forward, so that the nose rests upon 
and between the knees," but not so as to project below 
them. 

If there be nothing in respect of the conformation of 



II 



I 



PARTURITION. 135 

the cow, to interfere with ready delivery, and if the parts 
are properly dilated, whilst the labor-pains (as indicated 
by the excessive pressure and resistance offered to the 
hand) are strong enough to expel the calf, it is better to 
let nature do its work. 

2d. The position of the calf being unnatural consists 
in its being different from that above described. 

It is sometimes reverted sideways ; 

Sometimes on its back, with the belly turned upwards, 
relatively to the erect position of the cow ; 

Sometimes with the nose so sunk as to offer an imped- 
iment to its passing, &c. 

In the majority of these cases, medicine will not suf- 
fice without the application of mechanical resources ; 
and these mechanical resources sometimes extend to the 
partition of the calf, for the purpose of removing it by 
pieces, which is always justifiable when the calf is dead. 

The formation of the calf may be such as to pre- 
clude the possibility of delivery, when surgical resources 
can alone be of any avail. It has even been thought 
necessary to open the side of the cow for the extraction 
of the calf: the more o^mmon method is to extract the 
calf by pieces. 

There may be impediments arising out of the 
construction, malformation, or accidental contraction, 
&c., of the parts in the mother. In the majority of these 
cases mechanical means become requisite. 

If the labor-pains become weakened or suspended, the 
treatment hereinafter directed, under the head of " Partu- 
rition," must be resorted to. It is obvious to every one 
who pays the slightest attention to these matters, that 
both the cow and calf are prejudiced by the undue 



136 DISEASES OF THE GEXERATIVE ORGANS. 

extension of the period of labor ; and consequently any- 
thing that tends to protract the expulsion of the calj 
should be obviated, as soon as possible. 

If the labor pains continue unabated, and strong 
enough to expel the calf, daring more than from ten tc 
twelve hours, we may infer that there is some mechanica 
obstruction, either in the cow or calf, and must proceed 
accordingly, as before directed. 



4. — Meclianical Means for Assisting Delivery. 

The hand must be oiled and carefully inserted, so as 
to ascertain the position of the calf; and if the general 
position be found as it should be, with merely a slight 
depression of the head, it may be found sufficient to 
raise the head, and place the head and fore feet so that 
all difficulty is removed. In most cases it becomes nee 
essary to attach a cord to the fore legs and jaw, where- 
with to draw the calf forward simultaneously with the 
propulsion given by the labor-pains. The same means 
are often found sufficient when the difficulty arises from 
malformation in the mother. When the position of the 
calf is otherwise unnatural, we must endeavor to alter 
the position, agreeably to the description of natural po 
sition, given above. The more complicated cases, 
volving serious operations, are beyond our province. 






2- — Flooding after Delivery. 

In all cases it is usual for some amount of blood to be 
lost after the young is born, without any injury resul 



RETAINED PLACENTA. 137 

ing to the parent animal and without the necessity of 
arresting the discharge. 

When the womb does not contract firmly, as it ought 
to do, after delivery, a considerable quantity of blood 
may flow into its cavity and externally. Injuries to the 
womb or passage inflicted during delivery, particularly 
when the process has been difficult, and when assistance 
has been required, may give rise to excessive bleeding. 

Treatment. 

In the last mentioned instances, after the expulsion of 
the after-birth, the treatment consists in keeping the 
animal quiet in a cool, well-ventilated place ; in apply- 
ing a bandage tightly aronnd the belly ; in pouring cold 
water from a height, and throwing injections of cold 
water up the rectum or vagina ; and in giving the medi- 
cines recommended for " Abortion " — the remarks on 
which should be referred to. 



6, — Retained Placenta. 

Naturally, the womb expels the after-birth by its own 
contractible power. When this fails, and the after-birth 
does not come away, it is usual, if it be in the womb, to 
introduce the hand and thus remove it, or, if it be in the 
vagina (passage from the womb outwards) the same 
means can be more easily employed. Injections of warm 
water are sometimes used. 

In my experience, two medicines, viz., PalsatiUa^ or, 
this failing, &cale^ render all manual measures unneces- 
sary in the great majority of cases. I speak with more 
particular reference to cows. China is also of service. 

Doses. — 20 drops for rY>arcs and cows ; 10 for sheep. 

7 



13^ DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Case. — Retained Placenta — Irritative Fever. 

Maicli 27 tb, 1859, I was called to see a cow belonging to Mr. 
John Greenwood, coach proprietor, Manchester, The cow was 
bought on the 23d, from a Yorkshire dealer, had traveled a long 
distance, and calved on the 26th. This morning she began to ail, 
and a cow leech was fetched to give her an '' opening drench." I 
found the pulse 110, small and thread like ; respiration quickened; 
no appetite; the cow was in a drowsy, sleepy state, and although 
able to rise, did so with some diflQculty, and was evidently weak in 
the back ; there was very little milk and the cow had not cleansed. 
In my absence, Aconitum and Belladonna were sent, and I ordered 
them to be continued. On the 28th the pulse was 98, the breath- 
ing more tranquil, the appetite improved, rumination returned, the 
sleepiness gone, and the placenta discharged. On the 30th the cov 
was quite well. 



7.— The Earliest Treatment of Calves. 

Apart from the more special directions for treatment, 
it may be very properly mentioned in this place : — 
Firsts that the navel-string should be examined, and 
proper bandages applied if the hemorrhage continue! J 
Secondly^ that, above all, the calf should (unless there be 
physical impediments) be allowed access to \\\q first milk^ 
than Vvdiicti nothing will more surely modify the first 
irregularities of the digestive functions. ThinVy^ that 
the treatment of the calf should be incidental to that of 
the mother, for whatever vvill tend to injure the mother, 
during the first few weeks after deliver}', in particular, 
will almost inevitably recoil upon the calf Every pre- 
caution should, therefore, be taken to promote the secre- 
tion of good and abundant milk ; all regulations with re- 



EARLIEST TREATMEXT OF CALVES. 139 

spect to cleanliness, air, and the like, should be strictly 
observ^ed ; and the first indications of derangement in 
the cow should be speedily obviated by appropriate treat- 
ment Fourthly^ that in the generalities, the same pre- 
cautions are observable, with respect to the calf individ- 
ually. Fifthly, that as soon as the calf has suflScient 
strength to follow the mother about in the pasture, and 
power, as well as disposition, to gambol, it will be far 
more consistent with common sense to allow it to remain 
with the mother, and freely to seek the udder, or to ram- 
ble unrestrained, than to keep it pent up in a close and 
unhealthy cow-house. It is a great mistake to sup230se 
that the unlimited access of the calf to the udder, either 
deteriorates or lessens the supply of milk ; the fact is 
quite the contrary, if the food be of a quality and abund- 
ance consistent with the requirements of an animal giv- 
ing suck. 

The period of weaning varies so much, according to 
the convenience of the owner, and is so frequently set 
aside altogether, by the slaughter of the calf, that it were 
difficult to set any precise limit for the guidance of the 
reader in this respect. It is clear, however, that, if it be 
intended to rear the calf, much must depend upon its 
strength and capability of subsisting independently of 
the mother. The advancement of the teeth is an impor- 
tant point whereby to judge of this; and it is not very 
difficult to discern whether the calf readily and easily 
partakes of general food. If it be intended to breed 
again from the mother, it is natural enough that she 
should be separated from the calf, already sufficiently 
advanced to do without her support. 



140 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

8.— Metritis — Inflammation of the Womb. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Of all the domestic animals, ewes are the most subject 
to this disease. It arises in connection with the process 
of deliver\^ and when the afterbirth is retained. Usu- 
ally, it comes on in from four to eight days after delivery. 

The symptoms begin with feverishness, such as hot 
mouth, checked secretions, quickened pulse, kc. These 
are presently followed by straining and discharge of fluid 
from the womb ; this fluid may be brownish, and even 
black in color. The loins and abdomen are tender to 
the touch, and the vagina hot. The bowels are gener- 
ally constipated. In favorable cases, these symptoms 
gradually yield to treatment and recovery takes place ; 
in unfavorable, the pulse and breathing increase in fre- 
quency^ the discharge becomes offensive, and fatal sink- 
ing comes on. 

Treatment. 

When the bowels are much constipated, throw up al 
clyster of hot water, and give a few doses of Niix Vomiccul 

Injections up the passage are most important aids tol 
recovery in this disease, by removing the discharge, 
which, by accumulating, decomposes and does harm. — 
When the discharge is offensive, Condy's Fluid should 
be added to the water. 

In addition, give one or other of the following reme 
dies, according to the subjoined indications : — 

Aconite for the symptoms of fever, such as hot skin 
and mouth, quick pulse, &c. 

Pulsatilla if there be reason to believe that a portion 
of the after-birth has been left in the uterus. 



DISCHARGE FROM THE VAGINA. ~ 141 

Crocus is indicated when the discharge is dark colored. 

Arnica is required when the disease follows a difficult 
labor, and assistance has been employed by the hand or 
instruments. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen 3 10 for sheep and pigs. 



9.— Discharge from the Vagina. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

An increase of the natural mucus which is secreted in 
the passage of female animals may arise from several 
causes, including injuries, relaxation of the mucous 
membrane, inflammation of the same, from a condition 
of general ill health, &c. The disorder in such cases 
would be called Leucorrhgea, or whites, A discharge 
of white, curdy mucus is a common symptom of chronic 
inflammation of the womb. 

Cows are also subject to a disease arising from contact 
with the bull's instrument in a state of inflammation, at- 
tended with an irritating discharge. A considerable dis- 
charge of matter flows away, and the urine is passed in 
small quantities and with evident pain. The parts, on 
examination, are found to be swollen, red and painful. 
This disorder has been called Gonorrhcea, or Clap, 

Treatment. 

The parts must be frequently bathed with luke-warm 
water and kept perfectly clean. An injection of Chlo- 
ride of Zinc^ one ounce, dissolved in two gallons of soft 
water, should be thrown up three times a day. When 
the discharge depends on relaxation, an injection of 



142 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

Hydrastis may be used ; one of Calendula when there 
are wounds, or ulceration ; and one of Iodine if there be 
much offensive discharge. 

In addition, give Cantharis when it is evident, from 
the animal's manner and posturing, that urine is passed 
with pain and difficulty ; and 

Mercurius^ when the parts are inflamed and tender, and 
the discharge thick and mattery. 



10.— Inflamination of the Prepuce. 
IN BULLS, &c. 

In this disease the fore-skin is inflamed and gives forth 
a mattery discharge. The corresponding disease, which 
is said to excite this, is described under the head of 
^' Discharge from the Vagina," as it occurs in cows. On 
examination, the sheath and penis are found red, and 
swollen, and the fore-skin covered with matter. Great 
pain attends the act of urinating. 

In some cases, the canal is the seat of inflammation, 
and then the disease would be called '^clap." 

Treatment. 



41 



Apply the same lotions, and give the same medicines ' 
as are directed above for '^ Discharge from the Yagina." 



11.— Garget. 

A disease to which cows and ewes are exceedingly 
subject, and which requires great care and attention. It 
consists of a species of inflammation and induration of 
the lacteal glands, and the interior of the udder and teats. 



I 



GARGET. 143 

Symptoms. — The first indication of the presence of 
this disease consists in the refusal of the darn to suffer 
the young to sucl^ ; and this is ever to be looked upon as 
a distinct symptom of derangement, because, besides the 
natural affection of the dam for its young, which prompts it 
to nurse its offspring, the painful distension occasioned 
by the rapid secretion of milk would, in the ordinary 
course, lead the dam to suckle the young for relief; up- 
on examination, therefore, which should take place as 
soon as the above mentioned indication occurs, we shall 
generally find the udder exceedingly tender, of a burning 
heat, swollen, and knotty ; the development of distinct 
hard lumps takes place in various parts of the udder, 
and the teats become likewise affected with these tumors 
or nodosities ; in the earlier stage, the development of 
tumors, which is gradual and progressive, will not have 
taken place, and the general hardness, heat, tenderness, 
and swelling of the udder, &c., will constitute the group 
of symptoms ; later, considerable constitutional disturb- 
ance supervenes, and the pulse and respiration are pow- 
erfully affected ; the swellings or lumps in the udder be- 
come flabby and soft, owing to the progress of suppura- 
tion ; sometimes proceeding to the development of large, 
ragged ulcers, or to the formation of permanent, hard, 
knotty tumors, with decrease and impeded discharge 
of milk; the milk is tinged with blood, and mingled 
with matter; the appetite fails, and rumination ceases. 

Causes. — Excess of condition, especially at the first 
parturition ; neglect during the latter period oi pi'cg- 
nancy ; careless and imperfect milking, or cessation of 
milking for too long a period ; the milk not being drained 
thoroughly off, so as to leave the more dense and coagu- 



144: DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

lable portion of it in the iidder, whereas it is coagulation 
of the milk, which is the immediate cause of garget ; 
exposure in cold, bleak, damp, and marshy situations ; 
and sometimes, also, the peculiar habit of the animal of 
exposing the udder to pressure -when lying down, are 
also amongst the provoking causes ; as, also, neglect in 
the treatment of the animal immediately after parturi- 
tion (suffering inflammatory action to continue without 
due attention), or the effect of cold and moisture at that 

time. 

Treatment. 

Phytolacca. — Many homoeopathic remedies have been 
advised for this disease ; but they all are inferior to one 
which has long been known as a domestic remedy for 
cows affected with garget. And it is from the excellent 
effects of poke^ or scoke^ or " garget," as it is called in the 
eastern sections of the country, on cows, that it has come 
to be recognized as invaluable in similar disorders in the 
human subject. When a boy, I remember seeing my 
father slice up the green root of this plant, insert the 
slices in some pieces of raw potato, and give them to a 
cow whose ''bag" was swollen and hard, and that she 
was thus cured. A similar experience is quoted hj Dr. 
E. M. Hale : " When I was a student of medicine in my 
father's ofl&ce, a neighbor had a valuable cow, which, after | 
a clandestine confinement, was brought home from the 
woods with a most enormously swollen udder. It w^as 
hard as a stone, intenseh^ hot, painful and sensitive, and 
not a particle of milk could be drawn. A dose of Ep- 
som salts was administered, but after twenty-four hours 
the cow was worse than before. At this juncture an old 
woman of the neighborhood brought in a piece of a 



II 



GARGET. 145 

large, white, succulent looking root, which she called 
scohe^ and ordered the farmer to cut a portion of it up 
finely and give the animal in some bran mash. Another, 
the larger portion, was made into a decoction, and the 
cow's udder washed with it frequently. The effect was 
magical ! In less than twelve hours the milk could be 
drawn, the gland softened, and in a few days the morbid 
condition was removed." 

This is a most remarkable homoeopathic remedy, for 
it is capable of causing what it thus cures. Poke-weed^ 
or Phytolacca decandra^ known by its rows (racemes) of 
purple berries, grows in most parts of the United States, 
and constitutes one of the principal of the famous Indian 
medicines. 

Dose. — Those who cannot readily procure the fresh root may use 
the mother tincture in 10 drop doses, in a little meal, once in 
three hours, and bathe the udder as often, with a lotion made 
by mixing 2 teaspoonfuls of the tincture in 1 pint of soft warm 
water. 

The Phytolacca is no less suitable for mares than for 
cows. 

Should the disorder already have advanced to suppu- 
ration, and this not readily yield to the Phytolacca, se- 
lect Silicea^ Phosphorus^ or Sulphur^ according to the pre- 
vailing symptoms, and give six drops of the chosen 
remedy, night and morning. 



12.— Sore Teats. 

The soreness, cracking, excoriation of the teats, or 

even discharge of matter from the fissures developed 

about the teats, resulting from a considerable degree of 

irritation or inflammation, is of very common occurrence 

7-^ 



146 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

amongst cows, and when the cow betrays great pain, and 
is restive during the milking, without the evidence Ox 
constitutional disturbance, the appetite and rumination 
being unaltered, it is very desirable that the teats should 
be examined and appropriately treated, otherwise con- 
strained suppression of milk may ensue, and entail more 
serious consequences. The habit of impatiently goading 
the cow, which is restive during milking, under such cir- 
cumstances, is exceedingly reprehensible, and is not un- 
frequently followed by decreased or deteriorated supply ; 
sometimes by the admixture of blood with the milk, or 
even by the occurrence of severe constitutional disturb- 
ance. If, indeed, the excoriation be neglected, it will 
often result in garget, arising out of the suppression and 
consequent coagulation of the milk ; or if it does not 
lead to such serious consequences, the yield of the milk 
will become permanently diminished, or a vicious habit 
of restlessness incurred, which will render milking a se- 
rious task. - ; 
Treatment. 

This is very simple and effectual. Wash the sores 
with tepid water, and keep the part thoroughly clean. — 
Then apply Calendula Lotion^ at least four times a day ; 
and this failing. Sulphurous Acid Lotion. If the teats 
are so painful as to prevent milking, the milk must be 
removed by introducing a teat-tube into the teat. By 
this means the milk will drain off, and the evil effects of 
its accumulation be prevented. If the udder should be- 
come inflamed, consult the remarks on " Garget." 

I use at the present time a salve, composed of 1 pound 
of fresh butter, 2 drachms tincture of Iodine, 1 ounce 
Origanum. Melt the butter, and mix well together. 



CHAPTER X. 
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.* 



1. — Bleeding from the Nose, 

This accident may happen to all animals, but is of 
most frequent occurrence in the ox, and next, in the 
horse. Usually it must be regarded not so much as a 
disease but rather as a symptom of different diseases, in- 
cluding glanders, ulceration in the nose, polypus, pur- 
pura haemorrhagica and other blood diseases, &c. It 
may likewise arise from injuries, over- exertion, &c. The 
symptoms are sufficiently obvious. The blood is bright 
colored, except in certain blood-diseases when it is dark 
colored. 

In horses severely galloped in hunting, blood may 
issue from the mouth also ; and if it be in large quantity, 
death may be instantaneous. 

Treatment. 

Where nose-bleed is symptomatic of disease, the latter 
must be treated ; but in all cases when the bleeding is 
excessive, it demands exclusive attention for the time. 
Slight bleeding requires no treatment — it generally stops 



* Including the nose, nasal chambers, windpipe, air-tubes, lungs, plenrs, &c. 



148 DISEASES OF THE KESPlRATOliY ORGANS. 

of its own accord. When this does not take place, treat 
in the following manner : — 

Aconite is required when the bleeding attacks a horse 
in high condition, as the result of over-exertion, and 
when the pulse is full and quick, the breathing labored, II 
the membrane of the eye injected, &c. 

Arnica is more suitable when the bleeding is the re- 
sult of local injury. The injection of Arnica Lotion"^ 
may be restored to, in addition, in bad cases. 

Pouring cold water on the head from a height may be 
advantageously employed. 

The use of tight collars, by impeding the return of 
blood from the head along the jugular veins, may predis- 
pose to, and even excite bleeding from the nose. Of 
course, such a collar should be discarded. 

For the treatment of bleeding from the nose depen- 
dent upon glanders, ulcers, purpura, the reader should 
refer to the observations on this disease in other parts^of 
this workl 



2. — Nasal Catarrh — Coryza. 
IN HORSES. 

This disease consists of inflammation of the nose, as 
well as of the maxillary and frontal sinuses, which com- 
municate with the nose. 

It arises from exposure to variations of temperature 
and to damp and cold; and from bad ventilation, foul, 
damp stables, &c. It begins with sneezing, some fever- 
ishness, swollen eyelids, red eyes, &c. ; these are present- 



' See list of local applications. 



NASAL CATARKH. 149 

]j followed by a thin discharge which irritates the part 
over which it flows. Subsequently, the discharge be- 
comes thick and mattery. The feverishness now begins 
to decline, the quantity of discharge decreases, the appe- 
tite returns, and health is speedily re-estatablished. In 
bad, neglected, ill-treated cases, however, especially in a 
weakly horse, the symptoms take on the character of nasal 
gleet. Many cases are accompanied by sore throat, 
cough, and pain and difficulty in swallowing, from the 
inflammation extending to the throat. 

IN OXEN, SHEEP, &c. 

In .young oxen and cows, coryza is sometimes met 
with of a very severe form. It begins with the ordinary 
symptoms of nasal catarrh ; the discharge, however, is 
bloody, mattery, and offensive. The nasal membrane 
in the last stage sloughs off ; the horns and hoofs also 
drop off. There is great prostration throiighout, and 
convulsions very generally come on immediately before 
death. This disease has been termed malignant coryza, 
and also ox glanders. 

In the pig, the general symptoms are identical with 
those of the same disease in other animals. 

Treatment. 

Place the animal in a clean, well-ventilated box, clothe 
him warmly, and feed him on mashes for a few days. 
In order to have the nose cleaned out, cause him to 
breathe the fumes of vinegar by pouring some of the 
fluid on a red hot brick placed in front of his head on a 
shovel. This will make him snort and sneeze, whereby 
a large quantity of matter will be expelled. The fumi- 



150 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

gation shoLild be used at least night and morning so Ion 
as the discharge is copious. ^ 

The best remedies are : — 

Aconite for dryness, stuffing, and redness of the nose 
quickened pulse and breathing ; hot and dry mouth ; 
thirst and loss of appetite — the symptoms, in short, 
which denote the febrile state. 

Belladonna for swollen eyelids, red eyes, sore throat, 
pain in swallowing, and flow of tears. 

Mercurius for sneezing, free flux from nose, coughing 
and sore throat. 

Arsenicum^ especially if the discharge should continue 
in spite of the preceding treatment, and the disease 
threatens to lapse into nasal gleet; it is especially indi- 
cated when the horse is weak and off his feed ; when the 
attack follows exposure to wet and cold, etc. 

DosF.s. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for sheep and pigs, 
One dose every two or three hours. 

Carbolic Acid^ ten drops three times a da\^, is a gooc 
remedy. 

Case of Cataerh ix Poxy. 

On .June 20, 1861, I was requested to visit a pony, the property 
of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. This j^ony was brought 
from the country to remain for the London season. In a few days 
it commenced to cough ; was off its food, and had difficulty in 
swallovving; had muco-purulent discharge from the nose; pulse 
60, and rather feeble ; respiration 16 per minute ; nasal membrane 
vascular ; coughed when the throat was pinched ; costive, and the 
faeces thickly coated with mucus ; urine scanty, and rather highly 
colored. 

Treatment. — To have Belladonna and Mercurius v. alternately 
every three hours. 

21st. — Slidit amendment. Continue medicine. 



NASAL GLEET. 151 

23d. — Pulse 46, and otherwise improved. Continue medicine 
every four hours. • 

25th. — Further improvement. Continue medicine. 
27th.— WelL 



3. — Nasal Gleet. 
IN HORSES. 

All chronic discharges from the nose are spoken of 
together under this one name, or as constituting chronic 
nasal catarrh. The term, however, if used correctly, 
should be limited to those cases in which the mucous 
membrane lining the nose and its commitnicating cham- 
bers and windings, is in a state of chronic inflammation, 
attended with discharge of mucus, or of mucopus. Nasal 
gleet, in this sense, is usually the result of the acute 
form already described. 

The discharge consists of mucus, or a mixture of 
mucus and matter ; it is whitish, yellowish, or greenish ; 
it varies much in quantity, and is constantly flowing, 
although increased by sneezing and snorting ; it is of a 
uniform consistence, sometimes partially clotted and 
lumpy ; and it may issue from one, or from both nos; 
trils. The membrane of the nose presents an unhealthy 
leaden color. The gland under one or both jaws is 
slightly enlarged, it may be tender to the touch. In 
addition, the coat is staring, the appetite poor, and the 
strength more or less reduced. 

Treatment. 

On this point, I cannot do better than quote the 
account of two cases first publisluMl in " Practical reply 
to Sir B. Brodie's Letter :"— 



152 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATIVE ORGANS. 

Case I. 

On 14th of October, 1861, admitted a bay carriage-horse, the 

property of Hamper, Esq., of Wandsworth. This horse has 

been under allopathic treatment for two months, and daily getting 
worse. The veterinary surgeon recommended him to be killed as 
incurable. 

Symptoms. — Copious discharge from both nostrils, adhering like 
glue ; the whole of the nasal mucous membrane vascular ; sub- 
maxillary glands enlarged ; rough, harsh, unhealthy coat ; low in 
condition, and feeble ; bowels costive ; urine high colored ; pulse 
44, and feeble ; bad appetite, &c. 

Treatment.— To have Hydras C, 20 drops, 1st dilution, three 
times a da}^, and the nostrils to be fumigated with a solution of the 
same drug. 

15th. — The discharge from the nostrils not so copious, and the 
membrane not so vascular ; pulse 40, and strong ; appetite better. 
Continue medicine. 

16th. — No discharge from left nostril; slight watery discharge 
from right ; pulse normal ; nasal membrane nearly of its natural 
color. Continue medicine. 

18th. — The watery discharge from nose quite ceased; gave four 
coughs this morning ; to all appearance quite well ; no fumigations 
for two days. 

19th.— Cured. 

The Turkish bath also was given. 

Case II. 

On the 6th of June, 1861, a bay carriage-horse, the property of 
the Right Hon. Lord Wharncliffe, was sent to me, having a dis- 
charge from both nostrils. This horse has been under allopathic ■j 
treatment for a considerable length of time without the slightest 
benefit, and it was feared the disease would soon terminate in 
glanders, and my advice was sought. 

Symptoms. — Pulse and respiration normal ; no cough ; copious j 
discharge — muco-purulent — from the nose, which adheres to the| 
alae nasi ; the membrane of the nose is highly vascular ; the sub- 
maxillary glands are enlarged, and tender to the touch , the animal 



J 



COLLECTIONS OF MATTER. 153 

is rather low in flesh and not in a thriving state ; appetite pretty 
good ; faeces and urine normal ; the hair is dry and harsh when 
felt, and the skin adherent. 

Treatment. — To have Merc, v.^ 20 drops, sixth dilution, three 
tinaes a day. 

10th. — Greatly improved in every respect. Continue medicine. 

20th. — Since last report he has had the medicine as before, and 
is now quite well. 

Case III. 

A horse belonging to A. Birley, Esq., Didsbury, near Manches- 
ter. This horse is 16 years old, 15 hands 3 inches high, used for 
carriage purposes ; and although delicate when young, has had good 
health daring the last ten years. 

October 14th, 1859. — Present state : Pulse and respiration 
slightly quickened ; discharge of thick yellow matttr from light 
nostril; accumulation of greenish pus on the nasal alae ; horrible 
foetor; the box being ill-ventilated, the stench is intolerable and 
sickening ; the right sub-maxillary gland is swollen and tender j 
appetite good. 

Admitted to the hospital on the 17th. 

Treatment. — Kali Bichrom. 1, 20 drops night and morning; the 
nostrils to be fumigated with the same drug. The discharge began 
to decrease from the fourth day, and the horse was discharged 
cured on November 22d. 



4.— Collections of Pus in the Nose. 
IN HORSES. 

In horses, after catarrh, matter is apt to accumulate 
in the frontal and nasal sinuses. There is, in addition 
to discharge of matter from the nostrils, swelling of the 
glands under the jaw, and dull sound when the bone of 
the face over these sinuses is struck with the knuckle. 
When only one side is affected, the difference between 
the hollow sound of the health}^ side and the dull sound 



loi DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

of the diseased one, is sufficiently marked to decide as to 
the exact locality of the collection. In some cases, that 
side of the face is also swollen, from the upward pressure 
of the imprisoned matter beneath. 

Treatment. 

Here it is imperative to remove a circular piece of 
bone by means of the trephine, and to remove the mat- 
ter bv thorouo'hlv svrino;incr out the cavities with warm 
water. Then, three times a day inject Hydrastis Lotion^* 
and give 20 drops of Hydrastis three times a day. Mer- 
curiuSj Kali Bichromicum^ and Arsenicum are of service^ 
in such cases, in the same doses, as also Carbolic Acid, 
10 drops three times a day. 



5. — Collection of Matter in Guttural Pouches. 

IN HORSES. 

In cases of catarrh where the disease has extended 



i\ 



backwards, as w^el 1 as in strangles, the guttural pouches 
are'often invoh^ed in the inflammation, and the result 
may be that pus collects. When both sides are affected, 
the enlargement may be so considerable as to interfere] 
with breathing, and threaten suffocation. The discharg 
may escape into the throat, or make its way through the^ 
skin at the angle of the jaw. "When it flows into the 
nose, we find the discharge issuing from one side when 
the horse holds his head down, as whilst grazing, because 
this position enables the matter to flow out of the pouch. 
Usually, the discharge does not escape regularly from 



♦ See list of local applications. 



NASAL DISCHARGES. 155 

day to day ; it is much increased during work, and by 
the dependent position. Tlie swelling may cause rough- 
ness of breathing, or roaring, and, when large, causes 
the neck to be thick. 

Treatment. 

In chronic cases of this kind, turning the animal out 
to grass — in other words, compelling him to keep his 
head for a considerable time in a position calculated to 
allow the matter to escape — is often a successful measure. 
In others, an operation is necessary. 



6.— General 'Remarks on Nasal Discharges. 
I3Sr HORSES, &e. 

In the preceding pages of this chapter it has been 
shown that discharge from the nose is one of the most 
prominent symptoms of coryza, of nasal gleet, and of 
disease of the nasal sinuses, and guttural pouches. 

It is, in addition, observed under the following cir- 
cumstances : — 

1. When, as is stated at page 34, a diseased tooth sets 
up irritation and inflammation in the upper jaw, the 
result being the formation of matter which finds its way 
into the nose, and thence is discharged through the nos- 
tril. The discharge is confined to one side, is very 
offensive, and sometimes bloody. 

2. When the bones entering into the formation of the 
nose (nasal, turbinated, upper jaw, &c.) are diseased, in 
consequence of the intrusion of foreign bodies. In dis- 
ease of the turbinated bones, accompanied by collection 
of pus, the face swells, and there is obvious deformity. 



156 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

3. In glanders. This disease will be found fully dis- 
cussed in another part of this work. Many of the dis- 
eased conditions already described have, from the nose 
symptoms, been mistaken for glanders, and many valuable 
animals have been destroyed in consequence. In a 
doubtful case, inoculate an ass with the nasal discharge ; 
if glanders follows, all doubt is removed. 

General Treatment. 

This comprises the removal of diseased teeth, foreign 
bodies, and rotten bone. Collections of matter must be 
removed, either by injections into the nose, or by irri- 
tating fumigations to compel sneezing, or by position, or 
b}^ operation. 

In diseases of the nose such as I have already 
described, I consider Hydrastis Canadensis^ injected in 
solution, or inhaled by steaming, one of the very best 
local applications that can be used. 

For internal use, I place, in the order of their value, 
Kali Bichroniicuni^ Hydrastis^ Mercuriiis^ and Arsenicum, 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and cows 5 10 for sheep and pigs. 

Carbolic Acid^ in doses of 10 drops, is a good remedy. 



7.— Bots in Sheep. 

Bracy Clark, in his memoir on Bots, states that the] 
eggs of the sheep bot are deposited on the margin of the] 
nostril. He proceeds — '* The moment the fly touches 
this part of the sheep, they shake their heads and strike 
the ground violently with their fore-feet, at the samelj 
time running away and holding their noses close to the 
ground, and looking around them on every side to see if. 



J 



INFLUENZA. 157 

the flj pursues, and as they go along they often smell 
also to the grass and look anxiously into it, lest one 
should be lying in wait for them; if they observe one, 
they gallop back again, or take some other direction." 

The larvae are found in the maxillary and frontal 
sinuses. When fully developed, they drop out through 
the nostrils, remain on the ground for about two months 
in the pupa state, and then take to wing. 

Treatment. 

For the parasites in the nose of the sheep, nothing can 
be done except to cause these animals to breathe the 
fumes of burning Sulphur^ or Tobacco. 



8. — Influenza. 
IN HORSES. 

This disease is more definitely called Catarrhal 
Fever, and Epizootic Catarrh. When pure, uncom- 
plicated, and typical, it consists of two factors — a gen- 
eral fever, and a specific affection of the mucous mem- 
brane of the nose, eyes, mouth, throat, and air-passages. 

It is supposed to arise from some peculiar atmospheric 
condition — nobody knows what ; it prevails extensively 
in certain years, striking a certain number of animals at 
one and the same time ; it is most common in spring and 
autumn, and affects young horses more frequently than 
old. 

The likeness between it and human influenza is sin- 
gularly close. In an ordinary case of the genuine-tlis- 
ease, the first symptoms are those of febrile excitement. 
The animal is dull, listless, off his feed. The pulse is 



158 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

quickened and feeble, the breathing slightly hurried, the 
urine scanty and high-colored, the bowels costive, the 
skin of variable temperature, the mouth dry and hot, the 
membrane of the nose and eyes reddened. At this 
period, there is a congestive swelling and dryness of the 
mucous membrane of the nose, frontal sinuses and eye 
— a condition which subsequently extends along the air 
tract. Presently, the affected membrane gives forth a 
secretion, which is at first thin and irritating, afterwards 
thicker, tougher, and matter}^ At this period, the eye- 
lids are swollen and tears flow down the face ; and there 
is a discharge from the nose, attended with sneezing, and 
also from the mouth. In addition, we find indications 
of sore throat, pain and difficulty of swallowing, quidding 
of food, external swelling of the throat at the angle of 
the jaws and in the space under and between the jaw 
bones, fi^equent, irritating cough, and greater accelera- 
tion of the breathing. It is a peculiarity of influenza 
that throughout its whole course the nervous system is 
profoundly affected ; as witness, the early depression of 
spirits, languor, muscular weakness, want of energy, dis- 
inclination to move, staggering gait, halting and dragging 
of the hind legs, and stupor, or (in some cases) a ten- 
dency to excitement. 

In a few days, more or less, these symptoms begin to 
subside and finall}^ disappear, leaving the patient, how 
ever, weak and out of condition for a little while longer, 
according to the mildness or severity of the prevailing 
epizootic. 

In practice, influenza is not often found thus typically 
well-marked and clearly defined as a catarrhal fever. 
The attacks of one year differ much from those of 



II 

II 



i 



INFLUENZA. 159 

another, and even at the same period individual eases 
present great diversity of symptoms. For instance, in 
one case the fever may be of a somewhat decidedly inflam- 
matory character ; in another, it may be low and malig- 
nant. The fever may predominate over the catarrh, or the 
catarrh over the fever. Again, serious complications in 
contiguous, continuous, or distant organs may arise dur- 
ing the course of influenza, without the latter ever losinsr 
its specific features. I may instance inflammation of the 
lungs, pleura, heart, &c. ; and more particularly disease 
of the digestive mucous membrane. These different 
phenomena of a concrete disease have been classed by 
Hering and other continental writers into three groups, 
somewhat arbitrary to be sure, but yet sufficiently inclu- 
sive as to be free from grave objections. They are : 1st, 
The catarrho-rheumatic ; 2d, The gastro-erysipelatous, 
where there are the swellings of oedema ; and 8d, The 
gastric, or bilious-rheumatic. 

In this country, the different varieties of influenza that 
have occurred within historical times, may practically 
be arranged into two grand classes : 1st, That whose 
symptoms are above narrated, in which the respiratory 
mucous membrane, and respiratory organs secondarily, 
are the chief local seats of inflammation : and 2d, Tliat 
in which these organs are less affected than the mucous 
membrane of the digestive canal, and the digestive 
organs. 

In this last variety, the catarrhal symptoms referrible 
to the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs, are but slightly 
marked — the force of the disease is spent elsewhere. 
We observe loss of appetite ; thirst ; symptoms that may, 
without stretching a point unduly, be interpreted as indi- 



160 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGAJS^. 

eating headache and nausea ; coated tongue and accu- 
mulation of soapy saliva in the mouth ; a yellow color 
of the membrane of the eye, nose, and mouth, and like- 
wise of the skin ; slimy evacuations. In some years, as 
in the spring of 1865, these symptoms have been espe- 
cially prominent. In some cases the eyelids were 
everted, the legs much swollen. Symptoms of head- 
ache — resting the head on the manger, or hanging it 
low down almost to the ground. There were often 
rheumatic pains in the legs, known by the animal being 

lame. 

Treatment. 

The patient should be placed in a clean, airy, well- 
ventilated, loose box, be sufficiently clad, and fed on 
oatmeal and linseed gruels, and bran mashes. 

The most useful medicines are the following : 

Aconite is seldom required at the onset, except in those 
comparatively rare instances of the disease when the 
attendant fever is of a decidedly inflammatory character. 
It may, however, be called for during the progress of the 
disease, when local congestions and inflammations arise. 

Belladonna is indicated by swollen, closed ej^ es ; flow 
of tears ; sore throat ; pain and difficulty in swallowing ; 
tenderness and swelling of the glands about the neck 
and jaw ; irritating cough ; indications of headache or of 
delirium. 

Ammonium Causticum is a valuable remedy for the 
complication of congested lungs, which may be known 
by hurried, labored breathing, dilated nostrils, cold skin, 
&c. 

Me7xurius is indicated by similar catarrhal symptoms 
as those which demand Belladonna, and in some cases 






STRANGLES. 161 

these two medicines may be used in turn with great 
benefit. Mercurius is likewise valuable for foul tongue ; 
discharge of saliva ; offensive breath ; yellowness of the 
eyes, mouth, and skin; slimy, bilious evacuations. 

Niix Vomica is peculiarly called for when the bowels 
are constipated, or relaxed at one time and confined at 
another ; the evacuations hard, lumpy, and covered with 
mucus ; tendency to drowsiness and apparent paralysis 
of the hind legs. 

Phosphorus is required when inflammation of the lungs 
is at hand or present, which may be known by the sym- 
toms detailed in this chapter on that disease. 

Bryonia must be given when any rheumatic or pleuritic 
element exists — short, grunting breathing ; pain to the 
touch in the intercostal spaces ; friction sounds heard on 
applying the ear to the affected side, etc. 

Arsenicum is required for great prostration of strength 
and spirits ; feeble pulse ; and in short for the obvious 
low symptoms which characterize the worst variety of 
this disease — that in which the power of life is pro- 
foundly aiid rapidly depressed. 

Dose. — 20 drops of any of the above medicines ; repeat each dose 
every one, two, three, or four hours according to the necessi- 
ties of each case, and the resulting improvement. 

In this disease, in 1872, I ased Carbolic Acid^ ten drops, 
three times a day, in a little water, with good success. 



11.— -Strangles. 

IN HORSES. 

Strangles is the common name for a disease com- 
pounded of fever, and a specific phlegmonous inflanima- 



162 DISEASES OF THE RESPIEATOEY ORGANS. 

tion of the areolar tissue about the throat, and of the 
glands under the jaw. 

It is most common between the fourth and fifth year ; 
in cold, damp springs and autumns ; and attacks almost 
every horse. 

It begins with loss of appetite, languor, occasional 
cough, feverishness, staring coat, &c., followed by sore 
throat, pain in swallowing, and swelling and tenderness 
about the throat externally. This swelling is at first 
hard, then it softens and breaks, unless opened by the 
lancet, and discharges matter. Usually, the disease now 
abates, and recovery is rapid. Sometimes, however, ab- 
scesses appear in other parts of the body — the back, 
shoulders, legs, breast, &c. This is Irregular Stran- 
gles. Inflammation of the windpipe, or of the lungs, 
sometimes follows strangles. 

Treatment. 

Foment the throat three times a day, and afterwards 
put on a hot bran poultice. 

As a rule, the only medicines required in simple stran- 1 1 
gles are Belladonna and Mercurius^ 20 drop doses, every 
four hours, turn about. In order to hasten suppuration, , 
Hepar Sulpkuris is useful, given in the same doses and] 
time. Arsenicum may be necessary when strength and 
appetite are not quickly recovered. 



12. — Congestion of the Lungs. 

IN HORSES, &c. 

The sudden and severe engorgement of the lungs with 
blood, so often met with in horses, is most frequently 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 163 

caused by a long run in hunting, or by any other severe 
and long-continued exertion. It also arises when a horse 
has been over-fatigued by a hard day's work, especially 
if he has been exposed to damp and cold. Under such 
circumstances this disease is very common amongst the 
horses of our large brewers, and railway and carrying 
companies. By the adoption of a more rational system 
of treatment, than that of bleeding, blistering, and so on, 
many hundreds of pounds would be annually saved. 

The symptoms are beyond mistake. The patient's 
pulse is strong and full, and may count up to 100 per 
minute. The heart, on placing the ear to the side^ is 
heard beating with unnatural agitation. The breathing 
is oppressed, labored, panting, and may count 50 or 60. 
The nostrils are widely dilated and work heavily. The 
eyes are staring, and anxiety and distress are written in 
the expression of the countenance. Sometimes blood 
flows from the nose in small quantity^ or, if a vessel be 
ruptured, fatal bleeding may take place suddenly. The 
legs and ears are cold. These symptoms may end in 
death, or they may run on to the development of pneu- 
monia, or bronchitis, or pleuro-pneumonia. 

Treatment. 

In simple congestion of the lungs, I And the best rem- 
edy to be Ammonium Causticum, The following is a 
case in point : — 

On September 19tb, 1857, I was requested to visit a valuable 
horse, the property of Mr. Walter Garter, of Manchester. — 
He had recently come into the owner's possession, had been put to 
severe work, to which he had hitherto been unaccustomed, and on 
the 18th was permitted to drink copiously of cold water, whilst 
perspiring and exhausted, after a hard day's labor. Shortly after- 



164 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

wards be had a rigor so violent that his legs tottered under him. 
Three hours after this shivering, I found the following symptoms : 
Pulse strong, full, and 100 per minute j respiration labored, heav- 
ing, and 84 per minute ; conjunctiva injected ; eyes watery ; mouth 
hot, and clammy to the touch ; corrugations of the cutaneous mus- 
cle along the side and shoulder ; general surface warm, the extrem- 
ities cold; the nasal membrane preternaturally vascular, &c. 

To have 20 drops of Ammon. Caust. 1, in a wine-glassful of water, 
every hour. 

On the following morning the pulse counted 28 in the minute, and 
intermitted occasionally ; all the other symptoms had disappeared, 
and he ate, drank, dunged, and staled as if nothing had been amiss. 
At two o'clock of the same day the pulse had risen to the healthy 
standard, and had assumed the usual character ; — in short, the 
horse was all right, and resumed work next morning. 



13. — Bronchitis — Inflammation of the Bronchial 

Tubes. 
IN HORSES. 

This is a very common 'disease, in its acute form, 
amongst all domestic animals, especially the horse. It 
may come on and run its course without any preceding 
or accompanying disorder ; very often it succeeds sore 
throat, catarrh, and congestion of the lungs. In a con- 
siderable proportion of cases, there is more than pure 
bronchitis — a touch of pure pneumonia, constituting 
Broncho-Pneumonia. 

Bronchitis arises from exposure to east winds, damp 
and cold, changes of the weather, &c. 

The symptoms first observed, in sudden and uncom- 
plicated bronchitis, are languor, loss of appetite, thirst 
ears and legs cold, pulse full and quick, and breathing 
accelerated. The cough is at first slight, and afterwards 



BKONCHITIS. 165 

frequent and painful. The in-taking act of breathing is 
attended with noise, from the diameter of the tubes be- 
ing diminished by a swollen condition of the mucous 
membrane lining them. This sound is heard best at the 
front of the chest, and also on applying the ears to the 
side. At a subsequent period, an increase of mucous se- 
cretion takes place, at first frothy, afterwards thick and 
mattery ; it both runs from the nose and is coughed up. 
At this time, loud rattling can be heard in the chest on 
applying the ear to the side. The symptoms now begin 
to decline, and recovery soon takes place. 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

All our domestic animals, equally with the horse, suf- 
fer from bronchitis. The causes and symptoms are the 
same as those above described. 

Treatment. 

Aconite should be given for hot, dry mouth ; quick, 
full pulse ; thirst, and the other symptoms of feverish- 
ness. 

Bryonia is indicated for quick, difficult breathing ; 
rattling in the windpipe and in the air-tubes in the lungs ; 
frequent, dry, irritating cough ; discharge of thick phlegm. 

In the majority of cases, at the beginning, it will be 
necessary to give these two medicines alternately. 

Belladonna is required for soreness of the throat ; 
pain and difficulty of swallowing ; violent fits of cough- 
ing, &c. 

Antimonium Tariaricum is indicated when the dis- 
charge of mucus is very copious ; the cough loose ; the 
rattling loud ; and the breathing much distressed. 



166 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Kali Bichromicum is indicated when the phlegm is 
tough, sticky and stringy ; in old-standing cases ; and 
when the tongue is covered with yellow fur. 

Sulphur^ I generally give when all the violent symp- 
toms are on the decline, with a view to hasten recovery. 
Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. — 
Give each dose every one, two, or three hours, according to the 
violence of the symptoms. 

Case of Acute Bronchitis. 

On March 5th, 1867, a horse belonging to Messrs. Mowlem, Burt, 
& Freeman, had the following symptoms : — Pulse 104 and soft j res- 
piration 48 and labored ; eyes and nose red ; loud rattling in air- 
tubes; no appetite; fa9ces lumpy and coated with mucus. To have 
Aconite and Bryonia^ 20 drops every hour, for five hours, then every 
two hours. On the 6th — pulse ^Q\ respiration 36 ; eats a little; 
rattling not so loud ; continue medicines. On the 7th — pulse 60 ; 
respiration 25 ; frequent cough and discharge of mucus ; rattling 
much less ; looks better generally ; continue medicines. On the 
9th — pulse 48 ; respiration 14 ; in other respects doing well ; con- 
tinue medicines. On the 11th — well ; to have 20 drops of Sulphur^ 
night and morning, for two or three days. 

Case of Chronic Bronchitis.* 

On the 25th of December, 1860, I visited a horse, the property 
of Messrs. Sewell. He was il] three months ago, under allopathic 
treatment, and has had a copious discharge from the nose ever since* 

Symptoms. — Violent rattling in the bronchial tubes ; copious dis- 
charge of frothy mucus from both nostrils ; pulse 48 and full ; res- 
piration 16 per minute ; frequent, moist cough. 

Treatment. — To have Ant. Tart. 10 / 2, night and morning.^ 

This treatment was continued for eight days, when the horse was 
quite well. Ten months have now elapsed, and the horse has been 
at work ever since, with the exception of a few days, when he was 
laid up from a severe injury. 



II 



*■ Quoted from '' Practical Reply to Sir B. Brodie's Letter." 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 167 

14.— Pneumonia— Inflammation of the Lungs. 
IN HORSES. 

Inflammation of the proper substance of the lungs is 
rare, in comparison with a compound disease in which 
the air- tubes, or the pleura covering the lung, is more or 
less inflamed at the same time. When the air-tubes and 
lungs are inflamed, we call the disease Broncho- Pneu- 
monia, and we find the joint symptoms of the two dis- 
tinct diseases more or less mixed up together in the same 
case. When the pleura and lungs are affected, the dis- 
ease is called Pleuro-Pneumonia, which presents the 
combined symptoms of the two individual affections. — 
Nor is it rare to find symptoms of bronchitis, of pneu- 
monia, of pleurisy, and even of heart disease, co-existing 
in the same patient. 

Fat, full-blooded animals, and those that are over- 
worked or severely galloped are predisposed to this dis- 
ease, and exposure to cold and damp, and to variations 
of temperature, determine the attack. 

In some cases, the disease begins with a more or less 
violent fit of shivering, the ears and legs being cold, the 
skin staring, the nose pale, and the animal languid and 
depressed. In others, slight cold, want of appetite, 
cough, &c., are first observed. In either case, febrile re- 
action comes on ; the pulse is frequent and full, counting 
60 or 70 in the minute ; the breathing is short, labored, 
and 30 or 40 per minute, or even much higher; the 
membranes of the nose and eyes are reddened ; the 
mouth hot and dry ; the expression of the countenance 
anxious and distressed ; the bowels costive, and the urine 
scanty and high colored. 



168 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATOKY ORGANS. 

At a somewhat later period, the breathing becomes 
more labored and heaving at the flanks ; the nostrils are 
widened and in full play ; the neck is stretched out at 
full length ; the nose and head poked forward ; the ani- 
mal stands fixed in one place, with his legs separated 
from each other---in a word, he instinctively postures 
himself in such a manner as to bring the '' extraordinary 
muscles " of respiration into full action. At the same 
time, the membranes of the nose, eyes and lips have a 
dark bluish tinge; the legs and ears are remarkably 
cold, whilst the skin elsewhere may be moderately warm ; 
patches of sweat break out here and there ; the cough is 
only occasionally heard, or it is frequent, hard, painful, 
and attended with the discharge of reddish colored 
mucus. % 

Still later, the pulse is small, w^eak, and can hardly be 
counted ; the breathing is still more labored and difficult ; 
the expired air hotter than usual ; the mouth cold and 
clammy ; the teeth are ground ; the muscles twitch and 
quiver ; the eyes are dim, heavy, and glassy ; the animal 
very weak and drowsy ; he wanders unconsciously 
around the box, or leans against the manger ; he soon 
staggers and falls down ; and whilst attempting without 
success to get up again, he groans, struggles briefly, and 
dies. 

^he physical signs leave no doubt as to the nature, se- 
verity, extent, and complications of the disease ; and 
give valuable information as to the probability of recov- 
ery. One or both lungs may be involved. In the dis- 
eased parts of the lungs a sound is heard, resembling 
that which is produced when one's hair is rubbed be- 
tween the finger and thumb, close to the ear. This 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 169 

sound is learnedly called '' crepitation ;" it denotes the 
first stage of pneumonia, when the lungs are engorged 
with blood or bloody serum. In the same parts the 
natural healthy sound is obscured, and as the disease ad- 
vances, displaced by the morbid one. As com pared with 
the healthy lung, the diseased part gives out a dull sound 
when tapped, as is done when the human chest is 
^'sounded." In the second stage, the lung loses its 
spongy structure, and becomes dense and solid. Neither 
crepitation nor the natural sound can now be heard, but 
instead, a blowing sound proceeding from the larger 
bronchial tubes, which are surrounded by the solid lung. 
At a still more advanced stage, the sounds are rattling, 
from the passage to and fro of air through the effused 
fluids, or products of inflammation. These either cease, 
and are gradually replaced by the gentle, breezy mur- 
mur of health, or continue, and then indicate suppura- 
tion of the lung. 

IN OXEN AND SHEEP. 

In these animals, pure pneumonia is rarer than in 
others. When it does occur, the generic symptoms are 
analagous to those observed in the horse, as above de- 
tailed. 

Treatment. 

Place the animal in a well- ventilated box, and let 
plenty of air in. In the horse, put on warm clothing ; 
hand-rub and bandage the legs ; and give small quanti- 
ties frequently of whatever food he will eat. 

The following are the best remedies : — 

Ammonium Causticum in those cases which begin with 
languor ; coldness of the legs, ears, and nose ; rough, star- 
s' 



170 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

ing coat ; quickened, difficult breathing ; pulse small, 
weak, and frequent. 

Aconite is indicated when febrile reaction comes on — 
the pulse being quickened and full ; the breathing la- 
bored and panting ; the mouth hot and dry ; the mem- 
branes of the eye and nose injected. 

Bryonia is especially required, often in alternation 
with Aconite^ when there are symptoms of bronchitis, 
such as loud rattling from the first in the air-tube, heard 
when the ear is applied to the breast or side ; the cough 
loose and attended with discharge of frothy phlegm, &c. 

Phosphorus is of the greatest value in this disease, es- 
pecially in the second stage, when the lung is solidified — 
a condition which can be ascertained by detecting spe- 
cial physical signs. Also, when the breathing is very 
labored and distressed ; and when a reddish or yellowish 
discharge is coughed up. 

Arsenicum is often of service in extreme cases, when 
there are great depression ; weak pulse ; cold, clammy 
mouth ; purging ; no appetite. 

Sulphur I alwaj^s give as soon as the acute symptoms 
have yielded. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. — 
Give a dose every one, two, or three hours, according to the 
violence of the symptoms. 

The following case, quoted from *' Practical Eeply 
to Sir B. Brodie's Letter," illustrates the symptoms and 
treatment of an ordinary case of pneumonia in the 
horse : — 

On the 13th of August, 1860, a horse, the property of the Mid- 
land Railway Company, was brought to my establishment, having 
been observed to be unwell for two days previously. The hostler 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 171 

unfortunately, gave a dose of aloes, which, however, did not purge -, 
but it affected the kidneys and nervous system, for the horse was 
weak in his back, and swayed from side to side, and the left hind 
leg was partially paralysed. These effects I have frequently seen, 
when aloes has been given, and especially after the use of Oupiss' 
balls.- 

Symptoms, — Pulse 72 per minute; respiration 36 per minute; 
copious crepitation throughout the whole of the left lung, particu- 
larly in the upper portion, or the site of the saddle ; no friction 
sound anywhere; frequent, short, bard, and suppressed cough, belly 
tucked up, and marked with deep indentations along the margin of 
the ribs ; the conjunctival and nasal membranes vascular; nostrils 
expanded ; urine scanty, and high colored ; appetite bad ; the ani- 
mal dull, and hangs his head. 

To have Aconite^ 20 drops, first dilution, every three hours, in a 
wine-glassful of water. 

14th. — Pulse 64 per minute ; otherwise the same. Continue 
Aconite as before. 

15th. — Pulse 56, and respiration 21 per minute : appetite im- 
proved ; the animal is more lively ; the rattles in the inferior and 
middle third of lung nearly gone ; copious still in upper third. 

To have Phosphorus^ 20 drops, third dilution, everj" three hours. 

16th. — Considerable amendment ; pulse 56, and the respiration 
16 per minute ; is lively, and appetite good ; rattles nearly gone, 
except a few along site of saddle ; does not cough so much ; con- 
junctival and nasal membranes less injected; laid down last night, 
— horses never lie down while they are ill with inflamed lungs, and 
it is always a good sign of returning health when they do so, — 
otherwise improving. Continue the medicine as before. 

17th. — Improving; pulse 46, and respiration 12 per minute ; the 
rattles are nearly gone. 

To have Sulphur^ 20 drops, sixth dilution, night and morning. 

19th. — Pulse 42, and respiration 10 per minute; was put into 
the yard to water, and began to play. Continue medicine. 

2Uth.-Well. 



172 DISEASES OF THE RESPIKATORY ORGANS. 

15.— Pleurisy— Inflammation of the Pleura. 
IN HORSES. 

This disease, which consists of inflammation of the 
serous membrane lining the cavity of the chest and cov- 
ering the lungs, attacks the horse more frequently than 
any other animal. As I have alread}^ stated, it often co- 
exists with pneumonia. Exposure to cold, and injuries 
of the chest, broken ribs, &c., are the most frequent 
causes. 

It usualh^ begins with shivering, followed by dry 
mouth, languor, anxious expression, &c. The pulse is 
quickened, hard, and wiry. The respiration is charac- 
teristic, the chest being comparatively still, whilst the 
muscles of the abdomen are in full play, and whereas 
the act of expelling air from the lungs is easy and pro- 
longed, that of inspiring air is short and constrained. — 
The cough is short, hacking, and greath^ increases the 
pain in the side, or ^' stitch " which the horse feels. The 
horse stands still in one position, in a crouching attitude, 
with neck stretched out and his head protruded : he 
seems uneasy and in pain, and afraid to move. On ap- 
plying pressure to the affected side, he flinches and 
grunts. The ear placed on the side hears a rubbing 
friction sound. The skin over the inflamed chest is 
thrown into folds, and the flanks are tacked up ; the 
skin around the openings of the nostrils and around the 
mouth is wrinkled. When effiisions of serous fluid 
occupy the cavity of the chest — Hydrothorax — the 
breathing becomes more labored and quicker, but less 
grunting ; the pulse feebler ; the friction sound dimin- 
ishes, or ceases ; dullness on percussion is detected at| 



PLEUEISY. 173 

the lowest part of the chest ; and, in unfavorable cases, 
drowsiness, prostration of strength, and cold sweats usher 
in death. 

In a large proportion of cases, the membrane coverirg 
the heart, and in a few, even the heart itself, is involved 
in inflammation at the same time as the pleura. 

IN OXEN, SHEEP, &e. 

These animals, and likewise the hog, may be attacked 
with pleurisy, from the same causes as the horse, the 
most frequent being one out of the many circumstances 
summed up in the expression, "exposure to cold." 

The symptoms, especially the peculiar character of the 

breathing, are identical with those of the same disease in 

the horse. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is required in the early stage, w^hen the pulse 
is hard and full, the breathing quickened, the mouth hot 
and dry, etc. 

Bryonia is required, in alternation with the last medi- 
cine, when the breathing is short and catching; the 
sides painful to the touch; the cough short and 
restrained ; and when the animal grunts when the side 
is pressed against. 

Sulphur is useful when all the severe symptoms are on 
the decline. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 

For the treatment of Dropsy of the Chest, so apt to 
supervene upon pleurisy, refer to the remarks on that 
subject. Also consult the observations upon "Pneu- 
monia," and "Bronchitis." 



174 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

The two following cases are illustrations of pleurisy 
as it occurs in the horse : 

Case I. 

On Miy 12t:h, 1832, Mitchell Henry, Esq., of Harlej street 
requested my attendance on one of his carriage-horses. It was ia 
the breaker's hands, and was supposed to be suffering from soro 
throat, for which mustard was applied. I found the following 
symptoms in chief: Pulse 60; respiration 36 and short; a grunt 
at every expiration; intense pain in the side when pressure was 
applied ; friction sounds ; frequent suppressed cough ; membranes 
of eyes and nose injected. To have Aconite every 3 hours. On the 
13th — pulse 48 ; respiration 24. On the 14th — pulse 44; respira- 
tion 16 ; side less painful ; in other respects better. To have 
Aconite and Bryonia alternately. On the 17th — the animal was 
convalescent — to have Sulphur night and morning for a few days. 

Case II. 

On November 20th, 1861, I attended a horse belonging to Dr. 
Davison. It had been hard worked in rough, stormy weather. 
The symptoms were : — pulse 40 ; peculiar jerking action of the 
heart, felt at the left side and heard ; pain on pressure between the 
ribs on the right side, causing grunting; single, suppressed, dry 
cough, which evidently causes pain ; animal very feeble when made 
to walk. To have 20 drops of Bryonia 1, every three hours. On 
the 21st, much the same, only the side not so painful. To have! I 
Digitalis alternately with Bryonia every two hours. On the 22d, 
much better; pulse 32; heart not so jerking; appetite better; no 
cough and no pain inside. Continue medicines night and morning. 
On the 25th, well. 



Still further to illustrate different forms of lung dis- 
eases, as well as their treatment, I cannot do better than 
reprint the following cases from the British Journal of ^ 
Homoeopathy, for 1858 : 



II 



PLEURISY. 175 

Case I.— Pneumoistia (Double) ais^d Pleurisy. 

On November 15th, 1859, I visited a splendid carriage-horse 
belonging to Thomas Brocklehurst, Esq., the Fence, Macclesfield. 
This horse is 4 years old, 16 hands high, and was bought in the 
metropolis a few weeks ago. He has been quite well until a 
few days since, when, after ordinary carriage work, he was 
observed to cough, and to be otherwise out of sorts. The coachman 
thinking that it was a case of simple sore throat, gave a few doses 
of Belladonna and Hepar Sulph. ; but as he continued to get worse, 
I was summoned by telegram. Two or three doses of Aconite were 
given before my arrival. 

I found the following symptoms : Pulse 64, soft, and compressi- 
ble ; respiration 36, and slightly embarrassed • cough frequent, 
hard, and single ; conjunctiva injected and yellowish ; nasal mem- 
brane also increased in vascularity ; mouth hot and slimy ; appetite 
bad ; pain and grunting on intercostal pressure ; nether lip pen- 
dulous \ distinct crepitation in superior half of left lung ; some 
mucus rales in the middle ; loud friction sound along the middle 
and infero-posterior portion of right lung, with crepitation higher 
up, etc. 

Treatment. — To have Aconite and Bryonia 1, 20 drops every three 
hours alternately. 

16th. — Much the same. To have Phosphorus and Bryonia 1, 20 
drops every two hours alternatel}^. 

17th. — Pulse 70 ; respiration 30 ; grunting and catching during 
respiratory acts ; suppressed, short cough ; has eaten mashes and 
some hay ; left lung sounds rather better ; those of right unal- 
tered ; mucous membranes less injected. 

Continue medicines. 

18th.— Pulse 58 ; respiration 24 ; occasional grunts ; the head is 
held higher ; the faeces are soft ; the urine less turbid ; the appe- 
tite improved ; the horse is more lively ; bronchial respiration 
along middle of right lung, with small crepitation above and below ; 
cough still frequent. 

Continue same medicines every three hours alternately. 

19th.— Pulse 46 : respiration 18; only a few subcrepitnnt rales 
here and there in left lung; instead of the tubular breathing of 



176 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

yesterday, there is now the returning crepitation of health, 
mingled with the respiratory murmur ; healthy sound in other 
parts of this (right) lung; friction gone; cough loose; some 
stringy expectoration ; has been resting several times yesterday 
and to-day. Continue medicines every four hours. 

21st. — Pulse 37 ; res^piration 14; limited rales here and there in 
both lungs, especially in superior part of Itft : in all other parts 
the respiratory murmur is re-established ; much improved in all 
other respects. 

Continue medicines. 

23d. — Pulse 32 ; respiration 14; all abnormal sounds are gone; 
appetite good. 

To have SuliJhur 6, 20 drops three times daily. 

26th.— All right. 

Case II. — Pleuro-Pis^eumonia i:n^ Hoese. 

On January 20th, 1858, Messrs. Syddall Brothers, calico print- 
ers, Chadkirk, near Manchester, requested my attendance on their 
mare, which had been coughing for several days previously. 

Her symptoms are these : Pulse full, strong, and 70 per minute ; 
breathing labored, difficult, and 40 ; cold legs, nose, and ears ; fre- 
quent, short cough ; no appetite; crepitation through whole of left 
lung. 

To have 20 drops oi Aconite 1, every three hours. 

On the 21st, the pulse is down to 58, and the breathing to 36 
per minute ; the appetite is better ; in all other respects improved. 

To have Aconite 1, and PhospJiorus 3, in 20-drop doses, every three 
hours alternatel}^ 

On the 22d, the pulse is 44, and the breathing 12 per minute ; 
all the crepitation is gone ; the appetite is good ; has laid down. 

Continue same medicine every six hours. 

On the 24th, she is much the same. 

To have 20 drops of Arsenicum 1, every six hours. 

On the 26th, she is much worse, in consequence of having been 
most injudiciously walked out this morning from a warm stable 
into a frosty and piercing cold air. The pleura is now inflamed, 



TYPHOID PNEUMONIA. 177 

tthe symptoms beirg short, suppressed cough ; pain in the intercos- 
al spaces ; grunting, etc. ; no friction can be detected. 
To have 20 drops of Aconite and of Bryonia^ each of the 1st dilu- 
tion, every three hours alternately. 

On the 28th, the pulse is 48 and weak ; breathing less frequent, 
and not so difficult and painful ; looks lively, appetite good. 

To have Ar&enicnm and Pho.^pJio'jus^ 20 drops of the 1st dilution, 
every three hours alternately. 

On the 30tb, all abnormal sounds in lungs gone ; eats vt^cll ; 
rests as in health, &c. 

To have Arsenicum as before, three times a day. 
February 1st.— Well. 

Case III. — Typhoid Pneumonia. 

On February 23d, 1860, Messrs. W , the extensive London 

carriers, placed an aged mare under my treatment. She has been 
treated allopathic ally for seven or eight weeks^ and is pronounced incura- 
ble. On this date the symptoms are : — Pulse 73, weak and small ; 
respiration 36, quick and short ; the cough is painful, cavernous, 
and frequent; discharge from both nostrils is copious, mucopuru- 
lent, and brownish ; considerable expectoration from the mouth ; 
the breath, sputum, and nasal discharge are horribly foetid, espe- 
cially after a paroxysm of coughing; when the animal coughs, the 
head is held down to the ground, and the flanks heave ; the eyes 
are dull and heavy ; the appetite greatly impaired ; the urine 
scanty ; the bowels costive and the evacuations offensive ; the 
extremities are cold ; the mare is exceedingly weak and in very 
low condition. On examining the lungs, 1 found t ubular breathing 
in inferior third of left side, loud rattles in middle third, and sub- 
crepitation in upper third; there w(re seme scyniy, indistinct 
rattles throughout right lung. 

Treatment. — To have 20 drops of Fhosphortts 1, three times a day. 

24th.— Pulse 60 ; respiration 24 ; has eaten more to-day than 
she has done since the disease began. Continue medicine. 

25th. — Appetite still improving; the hair is more glossy; 
returning crepitation in hepatized portion of left lung; respiratory 
murmur returning in inferior portion. Continue medicine. 

27 th.— Pulse 52 and stronger; eyes brighter ; cough loss fre- 



178 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

quent ; profuse muco-puriilent expectoration; oiorof breath less 
ofFeiisive ; healthy breathing gradually returning in both lungs. 
Continue medicine. ^ 

March 3d.— Steady general improvement since last report; still 
a few rattles in inferior portion of left lung. To have Salphar 6, 
20 drops three times a day. 

10th. — Went to work with the team. 

Remarks. — A more satisfactory case than this it is impossible to 
cite ; a more conclusive proof of the efficacy of Fhosphonts in 
advanced stages of Pneumonia it is impo-sible to furnish. I have 
frequently opened horses that have died under allopathic treat- 
ment of this disease, with exactly the same symptoms as in the 
above case, and have always found one or more abscesses in the 
lungs. 



Case IV. — Pleuro-Pneumoxia. 

On April 7th, 1852, a cart-horse belonging to Messrs. Molyneux,^ 
Webb & Co., the eminent glass manufacturers of Manchester, 
stood, for a considerable time, exposed to rain and cold, and was 
shortly afterwards observed to be unwell. 

There are the following symptoms i — Pulse full, hard, and 68 pej 
minute ; breathing 32 per minute ; short, suppressed inspiration ; 
long, slow expiration, attended with a wheezing grunt and catching 
during breathing; pain when the intercostal spaces are presses 
against, with elicitation of characteristic grunting sound ; the skitt; 
over the affected side is thrown into folds, in consequence of con- 
traction of the cutaneous muscle ; the skin about the sides of thi 
nostrils, and at the angles of the mouth is also wrinkled ; the" 
tongue is covered with a yellow fur ; the bowels are constipated j 
there is a frequent, short, suppressed cough, evidently attended 
with pain; bronchial rattles are distinctly audible in the inferior 
third of the right lung, whilst in the middle third, small crepita 
tion can be detected. 

To have Aconite and Bryonia of the 1st dilution, 20 drops of ead 
every two hours alternately. 

On the 8th. — The pulse is 64, and the respiratioa 24 per minute;' 
no abnormal sounds in the right lung, but in the middle portion of 



I 

> 

IK 

i 

i 
r 

J 

3f 

J 



I 



BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. 179 



the left there is copious crepitation, and friction sounds, which 
latter are more marked when the animal coughs. 

To have three doses of Bryonia 1, at intervals of two hours; and 
then the same dose of Phosphorus 3, every three hours. 

On the 9th. — The pulse is 52, and the respiration 26 per minute ; 
the cough is less frequent and less contrained ; the friction soands 
are gone ; the crepitation is less marked ; the appetite is improved ; 
the dung and urine are natural ; the horse looks more lively. 

Continue the Phosphorus as before. 

On the 10th. — The pulse is 48, and the respiration 22 per min- 
ute ; better in all other respects ; healthy vesicular breathing is 
resumed in the inferior half of the lung ; scanty crepitation in 
posterior portion of superior half. 

To have 20 drops of tincture of Sulphur^ every four hours . 

On the 12th. — The pulse is 44, and the breathing 16 
per minute ; all abnormal sounds have disappeared ; improving 
otherwise. 

Continue same medicine. 

On the 14th. — Considerable amendment. A few more doses of 
Sulphur will restore my patient. 

Case V. — Broncho-Pneumonia in Horse. 

On May 6th, 1852, a horse belonging to Mr. McCaldon, horse 
dealer, of Manchester, presented the following symptoms: — Pulse 
soft, full, and 60 per minute ; breathing difficult, 80 per minute 
and attended with loud mucous rattles at the bifurcation of the 
trachea; violent shivering ; frequent, loose cough ; anxious counte- 
nance ; ears, legs, nose, etc., very cold ; pituitary membrane dry 
and of a bluish color; conjunctiva intensely vascular : throughout 
the whole of both lungs there are loud, bronchial, mucous rattles. 
which mask every other sound. 

To have 4 drops of Ammonium Causticum^ every hour. 

On examinition three hours afterwards, the pulse is full and 
counts 100 per minute ; the breathing 68, and attended with less 
audible rattles ; the entire surface burns with heat. 

To have 10 drops of tincture of Aconite^ every hour. 

On the morning of the 7th, the pulse is 60, and the breathing 40 



180 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

per minute ; there are fewer rattles in the larger bronchi heard at 
the breast. 

To have 20 drops of Aconite 1, every four hours. 

In the evening of the same day, the pulse is 60 and very. weak, 
the breathing 24 and much less difficult; there is great debility 
and no appetite. 

To have three doses, 20 drops each, of Arsenicum 1, at intervals 
of two hours ; then resume the former medicine. 

From the 8th to 10th. — The Aconite has been continued in the 
same way. The pulse and respiration are becoming more natural, 
and the general appearance indicates recovery. 

On the 11th. — The pulse is risen to 49, and the horse is alto- 
gether worse. On examining the lungs, which I had not done 
since the first day, in consequence of the favorable progress of the 
case, i found, along the inferior third of left lung, dullness on per- 
cussion, absence of respiratory murmur, Ironchial respiration, and 
considerable crepitation around the coisolidatcd lung. The last 
sound is also distinct along the scapular region, and in the site of 
the saddle. 

To have 20 drops of Arsenicum 1, every four hours. 

On the 12th. — He is found lying — the first time since his ill- 
ness ; pulse 42: respiration 13; crepitation but slight; appetite 
much improved. 

On the 13th. — The pulse is 44; the breathing 12; there is a 
peculiar sharp, but not strong jerk of the heart at every contrac- 
tion ; all the crepitation has disappeared, and the respiratory mur- 
mur has returned ; so also has it in the lately hepatized lower 
third of left lung, where it is mingled, here and there, with loud ■ • 
crepitation ; the horse eats and drinks freely, and looks lively. In 1 1 
all other respects there is a decided improvement. Continue med- 
icine. 

In the evening of the same day, there is no great change mani- 
fest, except that at every beat of the heart there is a peculiar 
sound, similar to what may be produced by striking a piece of tin 
with a sharp pointed rod of iron. 

To have 20 drops of Digitalis 1, every four hours. 

On the 14th. — The ringing sound is gone; the pulse 33 and of J 



ABSCESS. 181 

its ordinary character ; breathing 11 per minute ; no abnormal 
sounds in lungs ; in all other respects well. 

To have two more doses of Digitalis^ and then discharge the 
patient cured. 



16.— Abscess. 

As a result of pneumonia, a collection of matter is not 
uncommon. If a broncliial tube opens into the abscess, 
the matter, which is of a very offensive, stinking charac- 
ter, is coughed up more or less abundantly, and loud, 
gurgling sounds are heard in it on listening at the chest. 

Some horses recover ; whilst others linger on, never 
pick up flesh, won't eat, and die. 

Case. 

In the spring of 1867, I treated a case of this kind in a horse 
belonging to Messrs. Mowlem, Burt and Freeman, contractors. 
The attack was one of severe inflammation of the lungs. An 
abscess formed and burst into a bronchial tube, whereupon the 
breath became foul, and offensive matter was coughed up. The 
animal was convalescent in 30 days. The chief medicines given 
were Aconite^ Bryonia and PJiospJiorus in the early stage, and Ammo- 
nium Causticum and Hepar Salphuris in the later. I also used, after 
the abscess broke, a steam fumigation medicated with Baptisia. 



17. — Bleeding from the Lungs. 

Eupture of a blood-vessel in the lungs, and discharge 
of blood by the nose and mouth, is an occasional occur- 
rence in the horse, almost always as the result of severe 
and long-continued exertion ; more rarely from heart 
disease. A horse severely run with hounds may be 
fatally attacked in this manner. 



182 DISEASES OF THE KESPIKATOKY OKGAKS. 

Case. 

On October 2d, 1863, a horse belonging to Mr. Jay, contractor, 
immediately after strongly exerting himself in pulling a cart out of 
a clayey place, was suddenly seized with coughing, and brought up 
a quantity of florid blood, and some ran out of his nose likewise. 
He continued his work up to the 6th, when he was again seized in 
the same way. 1 saw him next day. His pulse was 72 and soft ; 
his countenance was anxious and dejected; his breathing somewhat 
hurried ; loud rattling could be heard in the windpipe and large 
bronchial tubes ; he shivered ; and after coughing, blood was dis- 
charged. Five days afterwards, nothing ailed him. The medicines 
he had were Hamamelis and Bryonia^ in 20 drop doses every three 
hours. 

In such cases, Aconite and Arnica are nseful. 



18.— Hydrothorax— Dropsy of the Chest. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

A collection of fluid in the cavity of the chest is a not 
unfrequent sequel of pleurisy. When this disease is 
treated by bleeding and other lowering measures, dropsy 
of ths chest is almost unavoidable, especially if the hors 
has been in low condition previously. 

There are cases without previous pleurisy, where 
from poverty of blood and general weakness, fluid coll 
lects in the chest, in the sheath, at the breast, in the 
legs, &c. ,^ 

The symptoms are as follows : — All the acute symp" 
toms of pleurisy have declined, and to all appearances 
the case is doing well. But on applying your ear to the 
affected side you discover that above a certain point you 
can hear the sound of healthy breathing, and below no 



i 



CHRONIC COUGH. 183 

sound at all. The higher the fluid rises, the more diffi- 
cult becomes the breathiDg ; the pulse is weak ; the 
appetite lost ; swelling appears under the skin at the 
sheath, breast, belly, legs, &c., and unless relief be 
afforded, symptoms of exhaustion set in, followed by 
death. 

Treatment. 

Very frequently these cases do well ; the fluid is 
absorbed and complete recovery takes place. 

The best medicines are : — 

Arsenicum when the breathing is difficult ; the pulse 
weak ; the appetite gone ; the urine scanty ; and the 
breast, legs, &c., swollen. 

Digitalis when there are indications of heart disease ; 
pulse feeble and irregular, &c. 

Mercurius when the breathing is much oppressed ; the 
nostrils dilated, the cough short and frequent. 

Ferrum is of value in those cases which occur in debili- 
tated subjects, and after bleeding. 

China may prove useful under similar circumstances. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Repeat each dose every two or three hours. 

Tapping the chest and evacuating the fluid has been 
resorted to in the horse with some success. 



19.— Chronic Cough. 
IN SHEEP. 

This is invariably the result of mismanaged acute in- 
flammation (in cases in whicli life is not immediately 



18i DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

extinguished by them). It consists of a subacute inflam- 
mation, which proceeds ultimate!}^ to tuberculous decay. 
There are few sheep which are not more or less affected 
by it; but, inasmuch as they are despatched to the 
shambles very young, there is not much time for the dis- 
ease to waste away or deteriorate the flesh. The cough 
will continue very long without affecting the appetite, 
but after a time it becomes more severe, the membranes 
lose color and become pale and flaccid, the caruncle and 
the vessels of the eye have no longer the characteristic 
redness of health, and afterwards loss of flesh, dullness, 
languor, &c., slowly and gradually supervene. In such 
cases the disease has changed its character, and has de- 
generated into consumption. 

IN HORSES. 

It may either be the result of any of the foregoing 
acute diseases affecting the respiratory apparatus, or of 
worms in the intestinal canal, the irritation of which re- 
acts upon these organs. It accompanies thick wind and 
broken wind, which proceed from the first of the above 
named causes. Excess of dry food will alwaj's aggravate it. 
Cough arising from permanent affections of the lungs : 
it v^dll be provoked by eating ; from irritation in the air 
cells, — and drinking will induce a fit of coughing : if 
from worms, we may notice the appearances which are 
usually caused by those insects, which may be distin- 
guished in the dung; and the cough will be rough, hol- 
low, and sonorous. Pressure of the throat externally 
will always provoke coughing, when the air passages are 
the seat of the disease, but not invariably so when they 
arise from worms. 



CHRONIC COUGH. 185 

A Case of Chronic Cough. 

May 3d, 1875, I was called to see a mare belonging to Edward 
Parmalee, of Auburn, N, Y., which had been treated for a long 
time by allopathic veterinarians, without success, or the least 
improvement. 

Symptoms. — Bad cough, caused by the secretions from the head 
passing down the back passage into the throat, accompanied by 
every symptom of the heaves. 

Treatment. — Commenced giving Arsenicum and Phosphorus^ 20* 
drop doses, once an hour alternately. In about 12 hours the groom 
reported to me that the mare was coughing herself to death. I 
then ordered Caustic Ammonia to be given every fifteen minutes, 
until the cough was relieved. 

On the 4th, again gave Arsenicum and Phosphorus^ as before. Also, 
added to a pailful of water, every time the mare drank, tioo drops of 
a preparation composed of one ounce Laudanum and two drams Oil 
of Vitriol. 

On the 10th, the cough was sensibly relieved, and the mare 
commenced to improve in flesh. On the 31st, cough had entirely 
ceased, she breathing naturally, and to all appearance as healthy as 
ever, and continues so up to the present time. 

Certificate. 

This certifies that Ed. Parmalee's mare was in my care from 
January 21st to May 23d, 1875. On the 23d day of January she 
commenced coughing, which continued to increase until the 26th of 
April. During this time she was attended by two allopathic 
veterinarians, without improvement, but steadily grew worse. 

Within 24 hours after Dr. Colby was called, the mare began to 
improve, and on the 5th of May was so far well as to be taken 
home by her owner. After he doctored her four weeks, she was 
entirely recovered, and is still sound. 

Wm. Reminoton. 

JunelG, 1875. 

9 



I 



186 DISEASES OF THE KESPIEATORY ORGANS. 

20.— Thick Wind— Broken Wind. 

Thick Wind is likewise, in general, the result of acute 
inflammation, and more especially in the air-tubes, which 
become permanently obstructed by the incrustation or 
enlargement of the membranes. It may also be the re- 
sult of fatness or malformation of the chest, but rarely 
if ever so, in highly bred or fleet horses. It consists o; 
very rapid, short, and difficult inspiration and expiration 
(in very quick succession), and will generally be fol- 
lowed by 

Broken Wind, if the animal be put to severe exer- 
tion. Broken wind is identified not so much by the 
rapidity of the inspiration and expiration, as by the 
second effort which attends the latter, (being effected by 
two puffs as it were) ; whereas, the former (inspiration) 
is unaltered. 

Apart from the occurrence of broken wind as the im- 
mediate result of obstruction of the air-cells (thick wind), 
from previous and more remote acute inflammation, 
broken wind very often occurs amongst heavy draft 
horses, especially as the result of bulky feeding — straw- 
yard feeding, &c. — (the excessive proportion of fodder 
yielding little nourishment, and of which the animal 
consumes a great deal) particularly if the animal 
habitually put to work directly after feeding. 



21. — Roaring, Wheezing, Whistling. 

Roaring consists of loud, sonorous breathing, pro 
voked by exertion, (accelerated pace) especially up an 
acclivity, and is characterized b}^ a peculiar groan, ut- 






ROARING, WHEEZING, WHISTLING. 187 

tered by the animal when suddenly strack or threatened. 
It may result from purely local inflammation, followed 
by thickening of the membranes, or from the extension 
of the inflammatory action of strangles to the air-pas- 
sages, or from other like causes, or from a peculiar dis- 
tortion of the upper part of the windpipe, occasioned by 
the strain of a tightened bearing-rein. 

Wheezing is an affection sufficiently explained by the 
name, but in which the noisy breathing is continual, in 
rest as well as in motion. It is more directly the result 
of bronchial inflammation, and will often remain after it 
as a chronic affection. 

Whistling is also explained by the name, but it is ob- 
servable only after some continuance of rapid motion, 
particularly up an acclivity. 

Treatment. 

Treatment, in the majority of these chronic affections 
of the respiratory apparatus, resolves itself into 

Regimen, — The food of a horse affected with chronic 
cough (proceeding from the lungs or air-tubes in partic- 
ular) should consist as much as possible of a large por- 
portion of fresh food of the better qualities. Early tares 
are very advantageous. Means should be sought to pre- 
vent it from eating the straw, and very little dry cut 
fodder should be afforded. The water should never be 
given quite cold. Transitions of temperature should be 
as much as possible avoided, as well as undue exposure. 
Ample ventilation, and regular exercise, without sudden 
and violent acceleration of pace, are essential. 

The thick-winded horse should never be overfed, (as 
is common, under the mistaken idea of providing for a 



188 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

long journey) nor should it be put into motion immedi- 
ately after eating ; regular and sufficient exercise, and 
other precautions, as just stated. 

The broken-winded horse should be fed upon highly 
nourishing food, of small compass, &c., so as not to dis- 
tend the stomach, and communicate £inj pressure from 
the diaphragm to the lungs, &c. ; carrots are very bene- 
ficial. The other directions as just stated. 

For worm-cough select from Belladonna^ Bryonia^ Dul- 
camara^ Cina, Hepar 5., and iSuljpliur. 

For cough after eating, from Arsenicum^ Baryta c, Cal- 
careac.^ Carho veg.^ Ghina^ Kali carh.^ and Phosphorus. 

For cough after drinking, from Acomtum^ Arsenicum^ 
Drosera^ Hepar s.^ Lachesis^ Amnio. mMr.^ and Spongia. 

For thick wind, from Arsemaum^ Cuprum a., Ipecacu- 
anha^ Lachesis^ and Tartarus enieticus. 

For wheezing, and perhaps also whistling, from Bella- 
donna^ Carho veg.^ Drosera^ Dulcamara^ Hyoscyamus^ Ipe- 
cacuanha^ Phosphorus^ Sambucus^ Spongia^ Veratrum, and 
Nux Vomica. 

For the pulmonary fever, or " rot of the lights " in 
sheep, w^hen assuming a low type, consult Aryiica^ Ipe- 
cacuanha, or Opium ; and give the medicine whose symp- 
toms best describe the case ; or two or more of these may 
be given in alternations. 

Dose. — 12 drops once in three or four hours. 



II 



II 




22.— Cough in General. 

Couo-h is the most common, the most obvious, and in 
some one of its forms the most universal symptom which 
presents itself in inflammations of the lining membrane 



COUGH IN GENERAL. 189 

of tlie trachea or windpipe, of the bronchial tubes, of the 
lungs, and of the pleura, or serous membrane which in- 
closes them. In some chronic forms of these diseases, 
and in some still more obscure disorders of the respira- 
tory apparatus, cough is almost the only indication of 
the abnormal condition. Hence, it requires to be studied 
very carefully by itself; and for this reason we have 
taken pains to present, in this section, both a thorough 
description of the varieties of cough, and a careful state- 
ment of the characteristic cough symptoms, and other 
obvious indications of the chief remedies which have 
been found useful in the coughs of domestic animals. 

The varieties of this symptom, as dry, loose, &c., taken 
in connection with the accompanying conditions, greatly 
aid in selecting the remedy suited to the case. It is not, 
indeed, always possible, especially for an inexperienced 
veterinarian, or still more for a lay practitioner, to deter- 
mine whether, in a given case, there is bronchitis or 
pneumonia ; but if the symptoms are carefully com- 
pared, and the medicine selected in accordance with 
them, the patient will be in a fair way to improve, not- 
withstanding the uncertainty of the surgeon's diagnosis. 
And on account of the immense importance of the cough 
symptom, in deciding the character of the illness present, 
we place before our readers the following very full dis- 
cussion of the various kinds of cough, communicated by 
W. C. Lord, R K. P. S., to the British Journal of Hom- 
oeopathy, and from the same authoritative source we 
subsequently quote the symptomatic indications of rem- 
edies in cough, to which, also, are added others suggested 
by our own experience and observation, and from other 
authorities. 



190 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

23. — Classification of Coughs. 

Idiopatliic, which seems to exist independent of any- 
other disease, cough being the prominent and only symp- 
tom. 

Symptomatic, when the cough depends on or accom- 
panies other affections, such as bronchitis, catarrh, &c. 

These may again be subdivided into acute and chronic 
cough. 

The acute cough is of recent origin ; is frequently 
symptomatic, and usually disappears with the disease to 
which it owes its origin. 

The chronic cough is either a continuation of the acute 
for an indefinite period, or has been idiopathic from the 
commencement. 

The causes are irritability or inflammation in some 
part of the mucous membrane lining the air-passages or 
lungs ; nervous derangement, especially of the pneumo- 
gastric and ganglionic nervous system ; dentition ; or- 
ganic changes in the thoracic viscera, or the passage of 
some foreign body into the respiratory tube. 

To distinguish the seat of cough and its cause is a 
subject of the greatest importance to the scientific prac- 
titioner, who places more confidence in the pathologic 
state of his patient, and the well known local action of 
drugs, than in mere symptom covering. I will, there- 
fore, endeavor to explain (although a very diflicult task) 
the diagnostic symptoms attending the various kinds of 
cough to which the horse is liable, and afterwards point 
out the homoeopathic treatment which I have found most 
successful. 



CLASSIFICATION OF COUGHS. 191 

24. — The Cougli from Dentition. 

This is loud, clear and ringing, heard chiefly in the 
morning and at night; is met with in young horses, 
especially between four and five years old, when it seems 
to depend on nervous irritation, produced by the canine 
teeth or tusks coming up ; the mouth is hot, and the bars 
of the palate full, as in " lampas." The horse evinces a 
certain degree of tenderness in eating his corn, and takes 
longer time about it than usual, yet his spirits are good 
and the general appearance healthy. 



25.— The Pharyngeal Cough. 

It arises from irritation or inflammation of the phar- 
ynx, fauces, or neighboring glands ; is not clear and 
loud, but moist, heavy-sounding, long, and as it were, 
hanging in the throat. This cough may be short and 
dry at the commencement, but only remains so until the 
secretions return, which they soon do, and in increased 
quantity. 



26.— The Laryngeal Cough. 

This generally depends on irritation of the membrane 
lining the larynx, but sometimes on derangement of 
the recurrent nerve. It comes on in paroxysms, and 
is easily produced by compression on the top of the 
windpipe. 

When caused by a dry state of the membrane, this 
cough is short and dr}^, has a hard, ringing or metallic 
sound, immediately followed by a long, harsh inspiration. 



192 DISEASES OF THE KESPIEATORY ORGANS. 

When caused by derangement in the recurrent nerve, 
this cough is loud, dry and spasmodic, and frequently 
chronic. As soon as the secretion returns to the mem- 
brane, the cough becomes loose and less painful ; instead 
of the cooing noise heard on applying the ear to the lar- 
ynx, in the primary or dry stage of the membrane, a 
mucous rattle will now be heard. These sounds will 
help us materially in forming correct diagnosis. 



27.— The Tracheal Cough. 

If the secretion from the membrane lining the trachea 
be increased, the cough will be prolonged and moist, 
sometimes followed by a thick, white discharge from the 
mouth or nose. In this case the ear applied to the tra- 
chea will hear the mucous rattle, and compression will 
cau.se the animal to cough. If, on the contrary, the 
membrane be dry, so will the cough, and on applying 
the ear to the windpipe no moist sound will be heard, as 
in the former case, but instead, either a shrill cooing or 
base sound — according to the size of the tube from con- 
striction or deposition of lymph, and the dry state of 
the membrane. I have cured a cage of tracheal cough, 
of long standing, where the aperture in the lower part of 
the tube was so small that a whistling sound could be 
heard during inspiration, and the cough was short, hack- 
ing, and feeble. 

28.— The Bronchial Cough. 

This cough, at first short, hard, dry, and frequent, 
soon becomes muffled, moist and prolonged, when the 



PULMONARY COUGH. 193 

secretion returns. The absence of irritation in the upper 
part of the air-passages leads us to investigate the lower 
portion by auscultation, which alone can give a correct 
diagnosis. When the cough depends upon inflammation 
and dryness of the membrane lining the large bronchi, 
the ear or stethoscope applied to the hollow in front of 
the chest detects a cooing sound or rhonchus ; but should 
the small bronchi be similarly affected, the ear applied 
to the sides of the thorax detects the dry or sibilant rales. 
As soon as the secretion returns and the cough becomes 
loose, the mucous rattle will be heard with diminished 
and often suppressed respiratory murmur, until the se- 
cretion becomes removed by a cough. These abnormal 
and suppressed natural sounds, however, belong to symp- 
tomatic rather than idiopathic bronchial cough, which is 
distinguished by negative rather than positive symptoms, 
such as absence of fever, sore throat, or any other ca- 
tarrhal symptoms ; compression on the larynx or trachea, 
such as will produce laryngeal and tracheal cough, has 
no effect on this cough, which depends upon an irritable 
(not inflammatory) state of the bronchial membrane, and 
yields generally in two or three days to the homoepathic 
treatment, which I shall presently describe. The idio- 
pathic bronchial cough is loud, dry, and comes on in fits 
or paroxysms, at uncertain periods of the day, causing 
the animal considerable annoyance, but not interfering 
with the general health or appetite. 



29. — The Pulmonary Cough. 

This is generally symptomatic of inflammation in the 
substance of the lung, or of some organic change, the 



194' DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

result of previous inflammation. It is usually short, 
dry, and frequent, accompanied in the former case by 
dyspnoea, and increased by percussion. As the inflam- 
mation increases, this cough becomes more constrained 
and painful, and ceases altogether. When inflammation 
is present in the parenchyma, auscultation detects the 
crepitant or other rales indicative of pneumonia. In 
chronic pulmonary cough, when organic change has 
taken place, it is usually indicated by absence of respi- 
ratory murmur in one or more circumscribed portions of 
the luno;. 



30. — The Broken-winded Cough. 

This cough, which usually betokens vesicular dilata- 
tion and interlobular emphysema, is always symptomatic 
of a morbid state of the nervous system, which it is nec- 
essary I should fully explain, in order that the treatment 
which has proved successful may become intelligible to 
the reader. The cough is generally at first spasmodic 
and paroxysmal, but soon becomes short, single, and so 
feeble that it can scarcely be heard at a few yards dis- 
tance. To diagnose this cough is very easy, for not only 
is it peculiar in character, but it is accompanied by 
dyspnoea, and a double expiration or supplementary ef- 
fort performed by the abdominal muscles. This is at- 
tributed, by nearly all foreign authors, to an emphy- 
sematous state of the lung, requiring this supple- 
mentary expiration to expel the extravasated air from 
the tissue which they suppose has been ruptured. Sev- 
eral veterinary surgeons, however, declare that they have 
examined broken-winded horses in which there was no 



II 



BROKEN- WINDED COUGH. 195 

emphysema (D'Arboval, Eodet, Yolpi, Professors Dick 
and Sewell). In those cases which I have examined I 
have found the lungs much paler, and not collapsed, as 
usual, when exposed to atmospheric pressure. 

I have also observed dilatation of the small bronchi 
and air-cells, as well as interlobular emphysema, but 
have not been able to trace the latter to rupture of the 
cell. By some, a thickening or other altered condition 
of the membrane lining the air-passages has been ob- 
served, which has been put down by Laennec as the 
cause of the cough^ and the latter as the cause of the di- 
latation and rupture of the air-cells, which he assumes 
does exist. The pathological changes which have been 
(though rarely) seen, are atrophy of the heart, and lesion 
of the diaphragm. Dupuy, one of our best French au- 
thorities, first conceived the idea that it was a nervous 
affection, and said that he had produced symptoms some- 
what similar by compression and section of the pneumo- 
gastric nerves; but English authors, with very few 
exceptions, agree with Percival, that " emphysema of the 
lungs is the true pathology of broken wind." Professor 
Gamgee, however, dissents from this doctrine in the fol- 
lowing words : " In stating our opinion on the nature 
of broken wind, we unhesitatingly affirm that it is at 
first a purely nervous disorder, dependent on the condi- 
tion of the digestive organs, and in which the pneumo- 
gastric nerve is especiall}^ involved. As the result of a 
cause which thus operates through the nervous system, 
dyspnoea ensues, and organic lesions soon follow, and 
most frequently in the shape of pulmonary emphysema." 
All these theories are no doubt highly interesting, but 
in a curative point of view of little importance to the al- 



196 DISEASES OF THE RESPIBATORY OEGAKS. 

lopathic practitioner, whose treatment wonld be just the 
same whether the disease of which the cough is sympto- 
matic consisted in emphysema, thickness of the mem- 
brane, dilatation of the air-cells, or nervous derangement. 
It is, however, of the utmost importance to the homoeo- 
pathic practitioner to ascertain the fons et origo of this 
cough, which I shall now endeavor to explain. 

In my opinion, not only the cough but all the attend- 
ing phenomena depend upon loss of power in the nerves 
furnished to the lungs by the anterior and posterior pul- 
monary plexuses ; and on a similar derangement in the 
gastric branches of the par vagum must depend those 
symptoms of indigestion, which are so frequent an ac- 
companiment of the disease. This loss of power in the 
branches supplied by the pulmonary plexus, which are 
nearly all ganglionic, produces a degeneration and loss 
of power not only in the muscular coat of the bronchial 
tubes, but also in the elastic tissue of the lung, upon a 
healthy state of which principally depends the act of ex- 
piration.. In consequence of this want of elasticity in 
the pulmonary tissue, the^^ells became unnaturally di- 
lated, and this dilatation, or impurity of unchanged air, 
produces the short, single cough, rendered feeble b}^ the 
loss of power in the phrenic nerves and in the muscular 
tissues clothing the respiratory tubes. As these are un- 
striped muscles, it is clear that the ganglionic system is 
at fault, and to it, not to the pneumogastric nerve (as 
taught by Professor Gamgee), must we turn our attention 
and apply our curative agents. This theory of loss 
of nerve power and elasticit}^ will account for the 
double expiration, not only in those cases in which em- 
physema exists, but also in those cases in which no such 



CONSUMPTIVE COUGH. 197 

lesion has taken place, for in both the abdominal muscles 
are called on to assist, by a supplementary effort, the 
weakened pulmonary elastic tissue. 



31. — The Consumptive Cough. 

This is very rarely met with in the horse, and may be 
diagnosed by absence of murmur in circumscribed spots 
or patches of one or both lungs, bronchial respiration, 
and cavernous or spumous rales. This cough denotes 
tubercles in the lungs, which usually terminate in glan- 
ders. 



32.— The Chronic Cough* 

This is so named from its lasting for months or years 
without appearing to injure the animal's health ; maybe 
an effect of previous disease in some part of the respira- 
tory organs, or it may be idiopathic, when its origin 
must be ascribed to nervous derangement. 

There are three kinds of chronic cough, namely : 

1. The hollow, groaning cough. 

2. The loud, dry, spasmodic cough. 

3. The short, hacking, feeble, grunting cough. 

The first, or hollow cough, which seems to come from 
the inmost recesses of the body, is preceded by U groan, 
or made up of half groan, half cough. It comes on 
early in the morning or at night, and does not interfere 
with the general health for a very longtime. Ausculta- 
tion sometimes fails to detect the seat of this cough, when 



198 DISE.VSES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

I conclude that it arises from some derangement in the 
pulmonary and gastric branches of the par vagum. — 
More frequently, however, it depends upon consolidation 
of a portion of the lung, which may be diagnosed by the 
absence of murmur, and dulness on percussion over the 
hepatized portion. 

The second, or spasmodic cough, seems to me to de- 
pend upon some derangement in the recurrent nerve, or 
on an irritable state of the membrane lining the larynx. 
It is generally heard when the horse is eating, drinking, 
or first brought out of the stable. 

The third, or grunting cough, is similar to the broken- 
winded one, but unattended by the jerking movement 
of the flanks, or any emphysema. The pathology of this 
cough only differs from that of broken wind insomuch 
as the elasticity of the lung is concerned ; for in this case 
the pulmonary tissue does not appear to be affected at 
first, although it eventually becomes so, and then the 
animal is broken-winded. 

But the organic nervous system supplying the lining 
membrane and also the diaphragm is equally depressed, 
and as a natural consequence, we find an alteration in 
the bronchial secretion, or some deposition of lymph in 
the air-passages, giving rise to a cough which is short, 
feeble, and devoid of resonance, owing chiefly to loss of 
power in the phrenic nerves. A strong forcible expira- 
tion or cough requires a sudden inspiration, which can- 
not well take place if the diaphragm is out of order. — 
This has been confirmed by Girard and other veterinary 
surgeons, who observed a cough, similar to the one under 
consideration, in horses that they afterwards found had 
sustained a lesion of the diaphragm. 



REMEDIES FOR COUGH. 199 

Remedies for Cough. 

Aconitum Napellus may be used in the primary stages 
of all inflammatory coughs, whether seated in the mu- 
cous membrane or pulmonary tissue. Its principal indi- 
cation in the former is dryness of the membrane. In 
the latter, increased and full or strong pulse, with dysp- 
noea and other indications already given in the diagnos- 
tic symptoms of pulmonary coughs. The Aconite cough 
is short, dry, frequent, and generally spasmodic. As 
soon as the inflammatory symptoms subside, which is 
denoted by increased mucus or muco-purulent secretion, 
the Aconite should be either discontinued or given in al- 
ternation with the drug specifically adapted to the nature 
and seat of cough under treatment. 

In human medicine this drug holds a high position as 
a remedy for coughs, but, according to my experience, 
it can only be regarded as a useful auxiliary in veteri- 
nary practice. From its extensive range of action. Aco- 
nite may be useful in those recent, hard, dry coughs, 
whose seat it may be difficult to diagnose. 

Aconite will be indispensible in the first or inflamma- 
tory stage of bronchitis, of pleurisy, and of pneumonia, 
which are characterized by hardness of the pulse, chilli- 
ness, and high fever. In the last named disorder it will 
be indicated by the pulse being quickened and full, the 
breathing labored and panting, the mouth hot and dry, 
and the membranes of the eye and nose injected. 

Dose. — 20 drops may be thoroughly mixed in a pint of water; 
of this 2 tablespoon fuls may be given to the larger animals, 1 
to the medium sized, as the sheep, the goat ; and 1 or 2 tea- 
spoonfuls to the smaller domestic patients ; the dose to be re- 
peated once in one, two, three, or four hours, according to the 
severity of the symptotns ; diminishing the freciueney of repe- 
tition as the case improves. 



200 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Apis Mellifica acts especially on the lining membrane 
of the larynx, and seems to control a state of inflamma- 
tion in it even greater than that to which Belladonna is 
applicable — one in which I infer, from the symptoms, 
that submucous infiltration lias taken place. The cough 
is suffocative, painful, and not so hard as the Belladonna 
cough ; but there is usually more dyspnoea, which leads 
me to diagnose a thickening of the membrane, probably 
from effusion, which A2Jis speedily removes. It has also, 
in my hands, quickly removed a painful, hoarse cough, 
accompanied by a clear, ropy discharge from the mouth, 
similar to the symptoms indicating Mercurius^ which ap- 
pears to me to be its chief analogue as far as the action 
of both on the larynx is concerned. Ajjis has also been 
used by me, with considerable success, in some cases to 
which Belladonna appeared to be homoeopathic, but yet 
failed in removing the cough. 

Dose. — See Aconite^ page 199. 

Arsenicum Album acts on the mucous membrane lining 
the whole of the respiratory tract. It is chiefly indicated 
in those coughs which remain after influenza, or catarrh 
of an asthenic type, accompanied by an unhealthy ap- 
pearance of the coat. The cough is usually dry, but 
with watery discharge from the nostrils, and excited by 
exposure to cold air or drinking cold water. It would 
seem to be dependent on loss of power in the organic 
nervous system, giving rise to a thin, acrid secretion from 
the respiratory mucous membrane, to cure which it only 
requires that the vaso-motor system be raised to a healthy 
standard by the action of Arsenicum. On referring to 
my pathology of " broken wind," the reader will under- 
stand why Arsenicum has been so successful in the hands 



KEMEDIES FOE COUGH. 201 

of M. Hew, of Chaumont, in cLiring this disease. This 
gentleman has lately published a report of ten cases of 
broken wind cured by Arsenicum. He gave it to the ex- 
tent of fifteen grains daily, and at the end of a fortnight 
not only the congh but all other symptoms had disap- 
peared. Chronic cough with thick wind is also one for 
which Arsenicum is peculiarly suitable; but in these 
cases I would recommend the Liquor Arsenicalis in thirty 
drop doses. 

In pneumonia, Arsenicum will be indicated in extreme 
cases, when there are great depression ; weak pulse ; 
cold, clammy mouth ; purging, and entire absence of 
appetite ; cough worse at night (after midnight), on going 
up a hill, and especially when attended with difficulty of 
breathing. This is the principal remedy for heaves or 
broken wind, as above stated. 

Dose. — Same as directed for Aconite^-p^ge 199, but repeated only 
half as often. 

The chief sphere of action of Belladonna^ as a cough 
medicine, is the upper portion of the air-passages, includ- 
ing the pharynx, fauces, and larynx, as well as the neigh- 
boring glands. I have never witnessed any beneficial 
effects from Belladonna in bronchial coughs of a sthenic 
character, but in those low, feeble, painful coughs, hav- 
ing their seats in the bronchial membrane, and accompa- 
nied by fever of an asthenic type, I have used Bella- 
donna in alternation with Bryonia most successfully. 

Belladonna has proved remarkably successful in the 
dry cough of the late epizootic; it is indispensable in 
pneumonia, and here, as in the epizootic, it may be given 
in alternation with Phosphorus to great advantage. 

Dose. — Similar to Aconite^ page 199, but not so often repeatid. 



202 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

Bryonia is a very valuable cougli medicine, but the 
state for which it is applicable has not, according to my 
experience, been so well explained by any author as by 
Dr. Hughes, in his Pharmaco-dynamics. Its sphere of 
action as regards coughs is the larynx, trachea, and large 
bronchi, but it has little or no effect on a cough having 
its seat in the small tubes. It does not appear to me to 
be applicable to an active state of inflammation, but to 
irritability, producing '' continued, dry cough, especially 
early in the morning." The Brionia cough, although dry, 
is usually accompanied by a rattle in the throat or some 
part of the trachea. This rattle is not such as ordinary 
mucus would produce, but conveys the idea that plastic 
lymph has been thrown out, or mucus of a tenacious 
character. Pressure on the part of the trachea where 
this rale is heard immediately produces the cough, as 
does also exposure to cold air or exercise. In those 
coughs which prove a sequel to some active dis- 
ease in the air-passages, which has left the membrane in 
an irritable state, giving rise to cough when the horse is 
first brought out of the stable, Bryonia will be found a 
most useful remedy ; but when any soreness of the throat 
is present it must yield in value to Belladonna, Bryonia 
is required in pleurisy, where it will be indicated by the 
aggravation on motion and tenderness on pressing upon 
the flanks, and by a full and moderately hard pulse. — 
Short and restrained cough, as if it were painful, and the 
breathing short and catching, will especially call for 
this remedjT- in pleurisy. In bronchitis, Bryonia will be 
indicated by loud rattling from the first, heard when the 
ear is applied to the breast or side ; cough is loose and 
attended with discharge of frothy phlegm ; the respira- 



REMEDIES FOR COUGH. 203 

tion is quick, difficalt ; there is rattling of mncus in the 
windpipe, in the air-tubes (bronchia), and in the lungs ; 
or the cough may be frequent, dry, irritating {Aconite 
may here be preferred) ; there is a discharge of thick 
phlegm. Aconite and Bryonia have been advised to be 
given in alternation^ in the earlier stages of this disorder. 

Dose. — 12 to 20 drops, once in two or three hours, in the most 
urgent cases (e. g., of pleurisy) ; usually to be prepared as di- 
rected for Aconite^ page 199. 

I have found the Tincture of Iodine useful both for 
laryngeal and tracheal coughs, attended by an effusion 
from the membrane of a plastic nature, as well as in 
those cases dependent on chronic inflammation of the 
membrane, and accompanied by an unhealthy discharge 
from one or both nostrils. In its action on the laryngeal 
and tracheal membrane it resembles Bryonia^ but differs 
from the latter in its afl&nity for the salivary glands. — 
When the cough depends upon an irritable, not inflam- 
matory, state of the salivary glands, or of the mucous 
follicles in the laryngeal and tracheal membrane, where- 
by these secretions are changed from their normal char- 
acter, I believe- Iodine will be found superior to Mercu- 
riusj Bromine, or Spongia, but often inferior to Arsenicum, 
which appears to be its chief analogue. 

Dose, — As directed for Aconite, page 199, repeated once in three 
or four hours. 

The Mercurial preparations act on the mucous mem- 
brane lining the air-passages, but principally on the lar- 
yngeal portion, and also on the salivary glands. I have 
very little faith in Mercurius as a remedy for bronchial 
coughs, either acute or chronic, and feel convinced that 
if those authors who recommend it for chronic bronchi- 



204 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

tis would substitute Antimonium iartaricum either in trit- 
uration or dilution, they would find the latter a far supe- 
rior remed}^, especially in those cases where the tubes 
are filled with mucus. The cough requiring Mercurius 
is dependent on the secondary stage of inflammation in 
the pharyngo-laryngeal region and neighboring glands, 
and its use is indicated by increased secretion, nasal dis- 
charge, and sore throat. 

Nux vomica, — Tinct. nucis is principally indicated in 
coughs of a nervous and spasmodic character, which 
some horses have early in the morning and at night, but 
without deranging the general health, and often without 
any pathognomonic symptom whereby its seat can be 
accurately determined. This chronic cough appears to 
me to depend upon some derangement in the pneumo- 
gastric nerve. Sometimes the recurrent is the branch 
most affected, sometimes the pulmonary branches, but 
occasionally the gastric, when we have what is called a 
stomach cough. The acute sj^mptomatic cough for 
which Nux is applicable is attended by constipation or a 
slimy state of the fisecal balls, foul tongue, or a pecul^r 
white appearance of its dorsum, and probably yellow- 
ness of the buccal membrane, and sometimes by that 
state of the skin called " hide-bound." A most remark- 
able indication for Nux Vomica in cough is found in 
breaking wind simultaneously with the cough. This we 
have observed on several occasions, in which Nux never 
failed to cure. In coughs attended with a disposition to 
heaves, and where the animal immediately begins to 
cough on being made to trot, Nux will be found invalu- 
able. Coughs worse on going down hill, especially trot- 
ting, which seems to irritate the bronchia by a sort of 



EEMEDIES FOR COUGH. 205 

downward mechanical pressure, compare Ammo, mur. 
Dr. James Moore, whose cough indications we have 
freely quoted, gives the following indications for Niix 
vomica: dry, hoarse, spasmodic cough, worse in the 
morning, and after eating and exercise, and especially 
when the stomach is disordered, the tongue furred, the 
mouth foul, the appetite variable, the bowels confined. 

Dose. — As directed for Aconite, page 199, repeated once in three 
or four hours. 

Phosphorus is the best medicine for pulmonary coughs 
of a febrile or inflammatory character, whether such 
cough has its seat in the small bronchi or substance of 
the lung. It is also useful for chronic cough arising 
from some organic change in the pulmonary tissue. The 
Phosphorus cough is drj^, short, and frequent, or w^hat is 
termed a " racking " cougb. Human surgeons recom- 
mend this drug for laryngeal cough, but I cannot indorse 
this recommendation in veterinary practice. Necessary 
in pneumonia, especially in the second stage, when the 
lung is solidified, a condition which may be ascertained 
by observing the physical signs, of dulness on ausculta- 
tion ; and when the breathing is very labored and dis- 
tressed, and when a reddish or yellowish discharge is 
coughed up. 

Dose. — As directed for Aconite^ page 199, to be repeated once In 
four hours. 

Rmm^ex crispus^ whose specific action on man is con- 
fined to the laryngo-pharyngeal region, in the horse has 
an equally powerful effect on the bronchial membrane. 

The laryngeal cough, which Rumex removes, is de- 
pendent on an irritable (not inflammatory) state of the 
membrane, either idiopatliic from the commencement, or 



206 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

the result of previous inflammation, which has been re- 
moved by other means. In consequence of the absence 
generally of objective symptoms, and the horse being 
unable to give us the subjective ones, it requires a great 
deal of practical knowledge to decide on the seat and 
class of cough for which Rumex is suitable ; but once 
correctly diagnosed, the remedy acts like magic. 

There is no sore throat, bronchitis, or any marked con- 
stitutional derangement, and seldom any abnormal rale, 
yet the horse coughs frequently, especially on the slight- 
est exertion. 

Sometimes a sibilant or mucous rale may be heard, 
but more frequently the respiration is merely harsh, as 
though the membrane was deficient in secretion. It is, 
in fact, an idiopathic cough, whose seat it is difficult, and 
often impossible, to determine ; but of this the reader 
may be assured, that if Rumex be the appropriate rem- 
edy, its action will be apparent in two or three days. 

Dose. — As directed for Aconite^ page 199. 

So far Dr. Lord, except the directions for the dose ; 
but there are still certain remedies, of less frequent oc- 
currence perhaps, but still needed in the various disor- 
ders of domestic animals, whose titles are placed at the 
head of this section, disorders of which cough forms one 
of the most prominent and easily distinguished symptoms. 

Arnica will be required in pleurisy resulting from ex- 
ternal injuries, to be followed by Aconite^ Bryonia^ or 
Rhus tox.^ according to the existing conditions. 

Cannabis may be required in inflammations of bron- 
chia, or in pneumonia, where the animal is obliged to 
stand up in order to breathe. 

Carho veg, — Frequent attacks of hollow-sounding, 



EEMEDIES FOR COUGH. 207 

spasmodic cough, occurring only in the morning. It is 
also indicated for cough in the evening till midnight. 

China. — Cough at night, worse after midnight, difficult 
breathing, with debility, especially after hemorrhage from 
lungs (in human subjects). 

Ammonium Causticum, — Much languor from the first ; 
coldness of the legs, ears, and nose ; rough, staring coat ; 
quickened, difficult breathing ; pulse small, weak, and 
frequent. 

Sulpliur will often be needed in pneumonia, and in 
pleurisy, when the acute symptoms have been removed 
by other remedies. It serves to prevent the cough from 
becoming chronic. 

Dose. — 12 or 20 drops every morning. 

Antimonium Tartaricum {Tartar eraetic) is indicated in 
bronchial cough, when the secretion (and discharge) of 
mucus is very copious, the cough is loose, the rattling 
loud, the breathing much distressed. 

Kali hichromiciim is indicated when the phlegm is 
tough, sticky, stringy, in old-standing cases, and when 
the tongue is covered with yellow fur. 

Drosera. — Spasmodic, or chronic cough, hoarse, hollow- 
sounding. 

Spongia. — Sharp, shrill, ringing cough, tracheal in- 
flammation, or dry, hollow, barking cough, sounding 
like croup or like whooping-cough in the human subject. 

Ipecacuanha. — Quick, anxious, sighing breathing, suf- 
focating attacks, frequent dry cough, suffocating cough, 
loose cough, rattling in bronchia, violent racking cough. 
Particularly recommended for sheep. 

For the dose of these remedies see Aconite ; they must 
be repeated according to circumstances. 



208 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGAN'S. 

33. — Pleuro-Pneumonia in Cattle. 

From Gamgee's " Dairy Stock," we take the following 
concise statement of the symptoms of epidemic pleuro- 
pneumonia in cattle : " Prom the time that an animal is 
exposed to the contagion to the first manifestation of the 
symptoms, a certain period elapses ; this is the period of 
incubation. It varies from a fortnight to forty days. 
Some faith may be relied on reports of even longer periods 
of incubation. The first signs, proving that the animal 
has been seized, can scarcely be detected by any but a 
professional man ; though, if a proprietor of cattle were 
extremely careful, and had painstaking individuals about 
his stock, he would invariably notice a slight shiver 
usher in the disorder, which for several days, even after 
the shivering fit, would limit itself to slight interference 
with breathing, detected readily on auscultation. Per- 
haps a cough might be noticed, and the appetite and 
milk secretion also diminish. The animal becomes 
costive, and the shivering fits recur. The cough becomes 
more constant and oppressive, the pulse full and fre- 
quent, usually numbering about 80 per minute at first, 
and rising to upwards of 100. The temperature of the 
body rises, and all the symptoms of acute fever set in. 
A moan or grunt, in the early part of the disease, indi- 
cates a dangerous attack, and the alge nasi, or nasal car- 
tilages, rise spasmodically at each inspiration ; the air 
rushes through the inflamed windpipe and bronchial 
tubes, so as to produce a loud, coarse respiratory mur- 
mur ; and the spasmodic action of the abdominal mus- 
cles indicates the difficulty the animal experiences also 
in the act of expiration. Pressure over the intercostal 



PLEURO-PNEUMONIA IN CATTLE. • 209 

spaces and pressing on the spine, induce the pain so 
characteristic of pleurisy, and a deep moan not unfre- 
quentlj follows such an experiment. The eyes are 
bloodshot, the mouth clammy, skin dry and tightly- 
bound to the subcutaneous textures, and the urine is 
scanty and high-colored. 

'^ On auscultation, the characteristic, dry, sonorous rale 
of ordinary bronchitis may be detected along the wind- 
pipe and in the bronchial tubes. A loud sound of this 
description is, not unfrequently, detected at the anterior 
part of either side of the chest, whilst the respiratory 
murmur is entirely lost posteriorly, from consolidation of 
the lung. .A decided leathery friction-sound is detected 
over a considerable portion of the thoracic surface. As 
the disease advances, and gangrene, with the production 
of cavities in the lungs, ensues, loud cavernous rales are 
heard, which are more or less circumscribed, occasionally 
attended by a decided metallic noise. When one lung 
alone is affected, the morbid sounds are confined to one 
side, and on the healthy side the respiratory murmur is 
uniformly louder all over. 

" By carefally auscultating diseased cows from day to 
day, interesting changes can be discovered during the 
animal's lifetime. Frequently the abnormal sounds in- 
dicate progressive destruction ; but at other times, por- 
tions of lung that have been totally impervious to air, 
become the seat of sibilant rales, and gradually a healthy 
respiratory murmur proves that, by absorption of the 
materials that have been plugging the lung-tissue, reso- 
lution is fast advancing. I have seen some very remark- 
able cases of this description. 

" Unfortunately, we often find a rapid destruction of 
10 



210 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

lung-tissne, and speedy dissolution. In other instances, 
the general symptoms of hectic or consumption attend 
lingering cases, in which the temperature of the body 
becomes low ; the animal has a dainty appetite, or re- 
fuses all nourishment. It has a discharge from the eyes, 
and a fetid sanious discharge from the nose. Not unfre- 
quently it coughs up disorganized lung-tissue and putrid 
pus. Great prostration, and indeed, typhous symptoms 
set in. There is a fetid diarrhoea, and the animal sinks 
in the most emaciated state, often dying from suffocation, 
in consequence of the complete destruction of the respi- 
ratory structures.'^ 

The following symptoms are given by Dr. James 
Moore, as the characteristics of the malady which are of 
most frequent occurrence : 

In the First Stage. — It begins in one of three ways. — 
Firstly, it may attack the cow suddenly, and run a rapid 
course in spite of all treatment ; secondly, it may come 
on slowly and insidiously, the cow appearing to be not 
ver}^ ill, whilst the lungs are becoming diseased beyond 
the hope of restoration ; and thirdly, it sometimes begins 
with violent purging, followed by great weakness and 
loss of flesh. 

The majority of cases, however, present the following 
symptoms : a short, dry, husky cough, which is heard 
only occasionally; it is highly characteristic of this dis- 
ease, and when once heard cannot be mistaken again. — 
The owner says, perhaps, that he has heard this ''hoose " 
for two or three days, but thought no more about it. On 
inquiry, it will be found that the beast does not give so 
much milk as usual, and that it has a slightly yellowish 



PLEUEO-PNEUMONIA IN CATTLE. 211 

tinge ; the appetite is not much worse, yet still she is 
careless about her food, and does not lick her dish clean ; 
when at rest, the breathing may not show any departure 
from its healthy play, but when the animal is moved and 
walked some distance, it becomes more frequent, labored, 
and difficult ; the pulse is often healthy in character, al- 
though sometimes it is weak, and slightly increased in 
frequency ; the bowels may either be confined or purged, 
or quite regular ; the body is sometimes hot, sometimes 
cold. The cow appears dull and listless ; when at grass 
she separates herself from the others, and lies on the 
ground whilst they are browsing. 

In the Second Stage. — The cough is now more frequent, 
and thick, frothy phlegm dribbles from the mouth ; the 
breathing is short when the air is taken into the lungs, 
and long when it is pressed out of them ; the inward 
breathing is attended with much pain, which causes the 
animal to grunt and to grate her teeth ; the grunt is 
heard when the animal is pressing the air out from the 
lungs ; the pain is much increased by coughing and 
change of position, and to lessen it the cough is now 
suppressed, or held back and short, and the cow stands 
fixed in one place. The pain is owing to the pleura be- 
ing inflamed, and the position of the diseased place may 
be ascertained by pressing the side between the ribs with 
the point of the thumb ; when pressed on, the animal 
will flinch and grunt. The pulse is quickened and op- 
pressed ; the skin is hard, tight, and bound to the ribs ; 
the horns are hotter, and the muzzle drier than usual ; 
the head is lowered and thrust forward, with the nose 
poked out ; the back is raised up ; little or no food is 
eaten ; the cud is seldom or never chewed ; the milk is 



212 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

stopped ; the bowels are bound, and, when moved, the 
dung is in hard, dry lumps. 

In the Third Stage. — The breathing is much quickened, 
very difl&cult, labored, and even gasping ; the breathing 
is carried on partly through the mouth, partly through 
the nostrils ; the breath has a bad smell ; a stringy, frothy 
fluid constantly dribbles from the mouth ; the cow 
groans loudly and frequently, whilst the grunt is either 
gone or subdued ; the pulse is quick, weak, and in some 
cases imperceptible or intermittent ; the horns, ears, and 
legs are cold, the skin covered with cold sweat, the head 
and neck stretched out, with the nose poked into the cor- 
ner of the manger ; the fore legs are separated from one 
another and fixed in one place, unless the cow is restless 
and uneasy ; sometimes the hind ones are crossed over 
each other, or the hind fetlock-joints are knuckled for- 
ward ; the stoppage of milk is complete ; the animal is 
reduced to a skeleton ; the strength is also, of course, 
greatly impaired, and the beast can scarcely cough ; in- 
sensibility sometimes steals over her; the urine is very 
high colored ; towards the last, violent purging comes on, 
the discharged matter being quite watery, blackish, 
highly offensive, and sometimes mixed with blood ; 
eventually, the cavity of the chest becomes so full of 
fluid, or * so much of the lung is condensed, that the 
breathing, from being more and more difficult and fre- 
quent, at last ceases, and the animal is dead. 

Treatment. 

It is of the utmost importance that this should be be- 
gun at the earliest possible moment. The sooner the 
medicines are given after the first sj^mptoms of the mal- 



PLEURO-PNEUMOJSriA IN CATTLE. 213 

ady begin to make their appearance, the more promptly 
and certainly may the disorder be removed. 

Aconite. — Pulse hard and quickened ; breathing short, 
painful, anxious, attended with groans and open mouth ; 
shivering or trembling, attended with coldness of the legs 
and horns, and dry heat of the skin. 

Dose. — 20 drops in a little water, every one or two hours, accord- 
ing to the violence of the symptoms. 

Bryonia, — Frequent, short, suppressed cough, which 
conveys to a looker-on the idea that the action of cough- 
ing causes a sharp pain in the chest, and the cow tries to 
lessen this by stopping or cutting short the effort of 
coughing. For the same reason the breathing is short, 
attended with pain and the characteristic grunt ; pain, 
followed by flinching and grunt, when the ribs are pressed 
against ; the animal remains standing in one place, and 
is unwilling to move, because the pain in the chest is 
thereby increased. 

Dose. — 20 drops every two or three hours. 

It frequently happens that the cow presents all the 
symptoms which are included under the last two medi- 
cines, in which case both are to be chosen, and given ev- 
ery one, two, three, or four hours, not mixed, but time 
about, or in turns — that is, first one, then the other, one, 
two, or three hours after — then the first again, and so on, 
according to the violence of the symptoms. The same 
remark applies to all the other remedies. The reader, 
then, is to remember this rule : That in choosing any of 
the medicines, he must pick out those that correspond 
most nearly to the present symptoms of the cow. 

Ammonium causticum. — Quick, difficult breathing, at- 



214 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

tended with rattling sounds ; the breathing inwards is 
short, in consequence of pain ; cough frequent, and at- 
tended with discharge of phlegm from the windpipe ; 
great weakness, listlessness, and depression ; pulse feeble 
and quickened ; frequent shivering and trembling; skin 
hot and dry, afterwards moist. 

Dose. — 20 drops in a little water, every two hours, till improve- 
ment appears, then once in three hours only. 

Lycopodium. — Fan-like motion of alse nasi ; from this 
symptom. Dr. Wilson cured many cases with this remedy. 

Arsenicum is the most suitable when there are wheez- 
ing, short, hurried, and difficult breathing ; small, quick 
pulse ; great weakness, and loss of appetite ; grinding of 
the teeth ; cold skin and clammy sweats ; frequent short 
cough ; purging either in the first or last stage ; then 
Arsenicum is the most suitable, and must be given as fol- 
lows : 

Dose. — 20 drops every two or three hours. 

If the following symptoms exist — breathing difficult, 
oppressed, and obstructed ; pains in the chest, which are 
aggravated by taking a deep breath, by moving about, 
and by coughing ; pain between the ribs ; frequent short 
cough, attended frequently with discharge of slimy 
phlegm, which is sometimes mixed with blood ; violent 
purging, followed by wasting and weakness ; then Phos- 
phorus is required, and must be given as directed for the 
last medicine. 

Sulphur exerts its beneficial action in this complaint, 
more especially when one or other of the foregoing, rem- 
edies have subdued the more violent symptoms, and 
when the cow is slowly recovering. Its chief effect seems 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 215 

to be to confirm the tendenc}^ towards health, and to 
guard against a relapse. It is to be given as follows : 

Dose. — 20 drops in a wine-glassful of water, three times a day. 

The food should consist of bran mashes, boiled tur- 
nips, and carrots, oat-meal or corn-meal gruel. Healthy 
cows should be removed from the vicinity of those that 
are sick. The latter should be housed in dry, well ven- 
tilated, and comfortable stables, and every care should 
be observed, by giving little food at a time, to prevent a 
fatal relapse after convalescence has been well estab- 
lished ; for if the stomach is filled with food, the disease 
is very apt to return, and death is then the usual conse- 
quence. 

By the aid of these homoeopathic medicines. Dr. Moore 
and other British veterinarians saved a very large por- 
tion of their cases in an epidemic of pleuro-pneumonia, 
so destructive that nearly all (36 out of 37) died under 
the ordinary treatment. 



34. — Spasm of the Diaphragm. 

I have seen several cases of a disease which, in my 
opinion, is correctly designated by the above name, and 
is often confounded with palpitation of the heart 
^' Nimrod " was the first to recognize and describe it. 
Since his day, others have published cases, and now 
there can be little doubt of its occurrence. 

Case. 

On AiiQ^ust 31st, 1850, a mare belonging; to Mr. Sidebotham, 
Manchester, was taken ill after a very severe galloping immedi- 
ately after feeding. The symptoms were : — Pulse G4, small and 



216 DISEASES OF THE KESPIRATORY ORGANS. 

wiry; respiration 42 per minute; vessels of eye turgid; strong, 
spasmodic, irregular action of the diaphragm, from 45 to 50 per 
minute ; breath drawn in forcibly, attended with a snuffling noise 
at the nostrils, and as rapidly expelled without noise; pulsation 
very distinct at each side of the back. To have 20 drops of Stan- 
num^ 1st dilution. An hour afterwards the pulse was 40, full and 
strong, and the spasmodic action far less powerful. Gave 10 drops 
of the same preparation. Two hours afterwards, the pulse was 30, 
full and strong; now and then a slight spasm near the lumbur 
vertebrae. Repeated the medicine. Four hours later, the pulse 
was 36, the respirations tranquil and natural, and all spasmodic 

jerking or pulsations gone. 

Refer to the remarks on "Palpitation of the Heart," 
for the symptoms which distinguish the one disease from 

the other. 



35. — Parasites in the Lungs. 
IN SHEEP, CALVES, &e. 

The disease resulting from the presence of worms in 
the air-tubes and lungs is generally called hoose, or Iron- 
chitis. It prevails most in low, damp, marshy districts, 
and especially attacks young ruminants, when they begin 
to eat grass, although adult animals are not wholly 
exempt. 

The first marked symptom is a slight, soft, and moist, 
or a dry, husky cough, which comes on in violent fits. 
The animal is dull and drooping, and occasionally rubs 
its nose on the ground or against a wall. The hair or 
wool is dry and harsh, very different from that of 
healthy animals. The breathing is quickened, difficult, 
and apparently attended with distress in the chest. 
Subsequently, in addition, the animal loses flesh and 
strength ; the eyeballs sink in their sockets ; the counte- 



PARASITES IN THE LUNGS. 217 

nance expresses anxiety ; the breathing continues diffi- 
cult and grunting, and death occurs from exhaustion. 

Treatment. 

It is absolutely necessary to destroy the worms, which 
are a species of strongylus. Various means have been 
advocated. Perhaps the best is to caase the affected 
animals to breathe the fumes of burning Sulphur or 
Tobacco. The food must be generous, such as turnips, 
linseed cake, etc. As a means of prevention, turn the 
animals into a virgin pasture. 

I have also observed good effects from Cinay 20 drops 
once or twice a day. 

Give Arsenicum^ 10 drops, and Carbolic Acid alter- 
nately, once in two hours in bad cases ; in mild cases, 
three or four times a day. 
10^ 



CHAPTER XL 
DISEASES OF THE HEART. 



Diseases of the heart frequently occur in the lower 
animals, but their detection during life, as well as the 
discrimination of one disease from another, is a matter of 
considerable difficulty, in consequence of the region of 
the heart being less accessible to examination than is the 
case in the human subject. 

There are, however, a few diseases of this organ which 
can be made out with tolerable accuracy ; to them I 
shall confine my observations. 



1. — Palpitation. 

Excessive action of the heart may occur in horses 
that are in feeble health and out of condition, or when 
strong horses have had a long run with hounds. 

The symptoms are : — a dull, thumping noise pro- 
ceeding from the interior of the body, and quite audible 
at a distance of some yards ; this sound corresponds in 
time with the pulsations of the heart and the throbbing 
of the pulse. Sometimes, the heart's action is so ener- 
getic as to cause a jerking or shaking over the whole 
body ; and the flanks are raised up likewise. 



ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. 219 

Palpitation is sometimes mistaken for what has been 
called Spasm of the Diaphragm, in which a somewhat 
similar sound is heard. In such cases, according to my 
own observations, the sound could be heard a few yards 
off, and was very distinct on applying the ear to the 
back on each side of the spine. The breathing and 
pulse were both increased in frequency, and the thumps 
did not correspond with the heart's pulsations. 

Horses are most liable to palpitation of the heart. 

Treatment. 

Rest the animal for a few days, be careful not to over- 
work him or drive him fast for some time afterwards , 
and pay attention to the diet. 

If the stomach be disordered, treat as directed for 
*' Indigestion," at page 90. In cases of palpitation, 
depending, as far as can be ascertained, on indigestion, 
Nux Vomica is especially suitable. 

China should be given when there are symptoms of 
general debility, and poor appetite. 

Aconite is especially required for energetic action of 
the heart, occurring in high-conditioned animals, after 
exertion, and attended with quick breathing. 

Siannum^ 1st dilution, has always cured the symptoms 
of spasm of the diaphragm described above. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses. Repeat the dose every one, two, 
or three hours, according to thf^ urgency of the symptoms. 



2.— Enlargement of the Heart. 

An increase in tlic size of the heart is rather ('iv(iuently 
found in animals suffering from "broken wind.'' Sucli 



220 DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

a disease affects the animal's powers of endurance and 
speed; and, when the animal is over-driven, may bring 
on hoemorrhage from the lungs. 

The symptoms are : — The action of the heart is heard 
and felt to be stronger than it ought to be, and extending 
over a larger space. In some cases, the stroke of the 
heart against the side is very strong. The increased 
action dependent on enlargement is constant, unlike that 
found in simple palpitation. In addition, a ''clacking' 
sound is sometimes heard. 

Treatment. 

This disease is incurable. EeguJating the diet, pre- 
venting overwork, and giving Aconite, Arsenicum or 
Digitalis^ will give relief and prolong life. 

DosEvS. — 20 drops for the horse, three times a day. 



3. — Dilated Heart. 

This lesion may be known, as it occurs in horses, by 
symptoms which can hardly be mistaken. They are : — 
Loss of appetite ; languor; cold legs and ears ; difficulty 
of breathing on the least exertion ; giddiness or " me- 
grims ;" small, soft, feeble, irregular pulse : feeble, trem- 
ulous action of the heart ; and, in advanced cases, swell- 
ing of the legs, chest, and belly. 

This disease is incurable. 



4.— Pericarditis. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

This disease, which consists of infianmiation of the 
serous investn:ient of the heart, is not unfrequent in all 



PERICARDITIS. 221 

our domesticated animals. It may occur as an indepen- 
dent affection; more usually it is a complication of 
rheumatism, pleurisy, and pleuro-pneumonia of cows ; 
and it has been known to follow a panctured wound. 

The symptoms are often ambiguous, and are apt to be 
confounded with those of pleurisy. In a fully developed 
case, we find him standing still, anxious in the face, and 
evidently in great suffering ; with his breathing much 
quicker] ed and labored, and his pulse accelerated, small, 
hard, and sometimes irregular. Pressure on the left side, 
in the region of the heart, causes flinching and expres- 
sion of pain. On listening at the same part we hear 
rubbing friction sounds, which cease when effusion or 
adhesion takes place ; subsequently, the heart's sounds 
are muffled by the effusion. In unfavorable cases, the 
breathing becomes more distressing, especially on the 
least movement ; the pulse feebler, and even impercep- 
tible at the jaw ; the eyes protruded and anxious ; the 
legs and ears cold ; dropsical swelling comes on in the 
legs, sheath, breast, &c., and death speedily follows. 

The late Professor Dick, in his " Manual of Veterinary 
Science," gives the following case: — "I was lately con- 
sulted in a case of a mare which was taken unwell. 
She had left off feeding ; her pulse was small and weak ; 
her respiration scarcely affected ; her mouth cool; her 
bowels regular ; and her ears and legs fine, but cold. 
On moving her about in the stall, a twitching of the 
hind legs of the animal was observed, as if it was affected 
with cramp. On applying the hand to the left side, a 
peculiar pulsation was felt, as if the heart was moving in 
a fluid. This pulsating sound was readily heard on 
ap[)lying the ear to the left side, and was totally distinct 



222 DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

from the sounds prodaced by water in the chest. The 
case pro^e I fatil, and on dissection, the pericardium was 
found to contain four pounds of serum." 

The following case is quoted from the ''British Jour- 
nal of Homoeopathy," for 1858 : 

Case. 

Oa April 5th, 1858, I visited a cart-horse belonging to Messrs. 
M irslind, cjjlI proprietors, Manchester, which has been under aUo- 
pcbthic treatment for a week and is rapidly getting worse. 

The most important symptoms are : — Pulse 120 per minute; 
violent jerking action of the heart ; there is a peculiar ringing 
souad at every beat of the heart ; the respiration is 36 per minute; 
little breathing can be heard in the left lung, in consequence of the 
predominant action of the heart ; the urine is voided frequently, 
and in small quantities, etc. This has been produced by a fly 
blister on the side. I had it washed off* at once. 

To have 20 drops of Digitalis^ 1st dilution, every three hours. 

On April 26th, pulse 104 and intermittent ; respiration 20 ; the 
violent jerking of the heart is almost gone ; the respiratory mur- 
mur is now audible in the lower portion of the lungs, and some 
mucous rattles in upper part ; the urine flows freely ; the bowels 
are moved ; the appetite is better, and the animal's appearance 
livelier. 

To have 20 drops of Hellehorus and of Arsenicum^ 1st dilution, 
every three hours alternately . 

On April 27th, pulse 95, still intermittent, but more distinct at 
jaw ; respiration 10 per minute ; the urine is profuse in quantity, 
and has a peculiar smell — the same as that which proceeds from 
the chest when opened after death from hydrothorax ; in all other 
respects better. 

Continue same medicines. 

On the 28th, pulse 80 ; from 16 to 20 of the beats in the minute 
are slower, the rest quicker than in health ; respiration normal ; 
appetite still improving and better otherwise. Continue as before. 



PERICARDITIS. 223 

On the 29th, the same, except that the pulse is fuller and 
softer. 

Substitute Spigelia for Helleborus. 

On May 1st, pulse 60, full and strong ; better otherwise. 
Continue same medicines. 

On May 7th. — Since last report has been steadily improving in 
every respect ; pulse 54 ; appetite good ; has been resting. 
To have Sulphur three times daily. 

On the 12th all right. 



OHAPTEE XII. 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



1.— Rabies — Hydrophobia. 
IN DOGS. 

Canine madness occurs spontaneously in the dog, wolf, 
and fox, and in other animals as the result of contagion, 
or the direct inoculation of the poisonous saliva by a 
bite. The term hydrophobia, which means /ear of water ^ 
is applicable only to the disease as it is observed in man, 
since, as a rule, no such dread is manifested by the 
lower animals. 

The causes which excite this disease in the members 
of the canine species are really unknown. Excessive 
heat, contrary to popular belief, can have no power to 
engender it, seeing that it is just as common in cold 
weather and latitudes as in warm. 

The best description is contained in Youatt's work, 
from which the following extract is taken : 

'^ The disease manifests itself under two forms. The 

furious form, characterized by augmented activity of the 

sensorial and locomotive systems, a disposition to bite, 

and a continued, peculiar bark. The animal becomes 

altered in habits and disposition, has an inclination to 



HYDKOPHOBIA. 225 

lick or carry inedible substances, is restless and snaps in 
tlie air, but is still obedient and attached. Soon there is 
loss of appetite and thirst, the mouth and tongue swollen ; 
the eyes red, dull, and half closed ; the skin of the fore- 
head wrinkled ; the coat rough and staring ; the gait 
unsteady and staggering ; there is a periodic disposition 
to bite, the animal in approaching is often quiet and 
friendly, and then snaps ; latterly, there is paralysis of 
the extremities ; the breathing and deglutition become 
affected by spasms ; the external surface irritable, and 
the sensorial functions increased in activity and per- 
verted ; convulsions may occur. These symptoms are 
paroxysmal, they remit and intermit, and are often 
excited by sight, hearing, or touch. 

" The sullen form is characterized by shyness and 
depression, in which there is no disposition to bite, and 
no fear of fluids. The dog appears to be unusually 
quiet, is melancholic, and has depression of spirits : 
although he has no fear of water, he does not drink ; he 
makes no attempt to bite, and seems haggard and sus- 
picious, avoiding society, and refusing food. The breath- 
ing is labored and the bark is harsh, rough, and altered 
in tone ; the mouth is open from the dropping of the 
jaw; the tongue protrudes, and the saliva is constantly 
flowing. The breathing soon becomes more difficult and 
laborious ; there are tremors, and vomiting, and convul- 
sions." 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

In horses, oxen, sheep, cats, pigs, the symptoms do 
not vary materially from those observed in dogs. We 
find, after the disease is developed, restlessness, difficulty 



226 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

of swallowing, modification of the voice in neighing, 
granting, bellowing, etc., also biting, batting with the 
horns, scratching, etc., followed by paralysis and death. 

Treatment, 

From my own experience, I know of no remedy for 
this terrible disease. The best plan, probably, is to 
destroy every affected animal, in order to prevent the pro- 
pagation of the disease. Yoaatt strongly advocates the 
free application of lanar caastic to the part bitten by a 
mad animal, as a preventive. A singalar popalar error 
is that a person bitten b}^ a healthy dog will have this 
disease if the dos; shoald afterwards contract it. Of 
course there is not a particle of foundation for such a 
notion. 



2.— Tetanus. 
IN HORSES. 

Of all animals the horse is especially liable to tetanus 
— a disease of the upper part of the spinal marrow, 
characterized by unremitting spasm of all the muscles of 
the body. There are two forms : the idiopathic^ which 
arises from exposure to severe weather, and irritation of 
the stomach and bowels ; and the traumatic^ which 
follows wounds and other injaries, such as broken 
knees, open joints, bruises, nicking or docking the tail, 
punctured wounds of the feet, castration, fractured bones, 
etc. 

As a rule, the symptoms come on slowly. In the 
earliest stage, the muscles of the jaw and neck are the 
first to be attacked, and hence the convertible term of 
the disease — Lock-jaw. The animal manifests some 



TETANUS— LOCK-JAW. 227 

difficulty in gathering his food with his lips, in swallow- 
ing, in moving his head and neck, and some degree of 
general stiffness in walking. Later, the muscles of the 
jaw are firmly contracted, hard to the touch on the 
cheek, and more or less completely close the mouth ; so 
that by no force can the jaws be separated, nor can food 
by any means be nibbled up. The eyes are fixed, 
squinted outwards, pulled backwards into their sockets, 
and the " haw " drawn in front of the eyeballs. The 
neck is stiff and cannot be moved, and its muscles hard 
and rigid. The head is held firmly in one position, with 
the muzzle pointed forwards ; the nostrils are expanded ; 
the ears project forwards, erect and fixed ; the lips are 
stretched firmly across the front of the teeth, exposing 
them to view ; and slaver dribbles from the mouth. 

The belly is tucked up, contracted, and hard to the 
touch ; the tail is elevated and in a constant tremble ; 
the anus is firmly contracted ; the urine scanty and the 
bowels confined. The animal stands resolutely fixed to 
one spot, with all his legs stretched out ; if perchance he 
move, or be made to move, he does so, not in detail, but 
all of a piece, like a thing without joint or suppleness, 
and the least effort evidently causes acute suffering. 
The breathing is quickened, short, and constrained ; the 
pulse frequent and hard. 

The spasmed muscles are screwed up to a still higher 
degree of agonizing tension by any excitement ; such as 
loud noises, angry talking, and even by light and rust- 
ling of straw. When the animal is kept in a dark, 
qaiet box to the care of an attendant who does his work 
with kindness and stealth, the spasms slacken some- 
what, although the muscles are never wliolly relieved 



228 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

from the tetanic grip until the disease is on the decline. 
In very acute cases, the animal appears to be com- 
pletely overwhelmed by the severity of the disease, and 
death occurs in a few hours ; in others, death may not 
happen for several days. 

Treatment. 

The animal must be placed in a darkened, loose box, 
and be kept perfectly quiet and free from noise or 
excitement of any kind whatsoever. To protect it from 
cold, put on sufficient warm clothing, and bandage the 
legs with flannel. The man in attendance must do his 
work in the quietest manner possible, and keep his 
tongue still. Thin gruel, milk, linseed and hay tea, 
slightly warmed, should be frequently offered. As the 
jaws open, boiled turnips, bran mashes, and bruised oats 
are the best. After convalescence is fairly established, 
great care must be exercised to prevent overloading of 
the stomach. 

The best remedies are the following : 

Aconite and Belladonna are the best at the onset of the 
attack, when the disease can be traced to exposure to 
cold or damp. Give them in 20 drop doses every two 
hours alternately. 

If there be no improvement in a few hours, I would 
recommend Aconite to be stopped, and Nux Vomica to 
be given in the same doses and times alternately with 
Belladonna, 

Arnica is especially suitable when the disease is the 
result of wounds, and injuries in general; and in nine 
cases out of ten it will be necessary to give it in alterna- 
tion with Belladonna^ as directed above. 



TETANUS— LOCK-JAW. 229 

In the fully developed stage, with intense rigidity and 
exacerbation of spasm on the least excitement, I would 
give Nux Vomica^ alternately with Arnica^ in traumatic 
cases. 

Each dose must be mixed with a tablespoonful of 
water, and this mixture injected into the mouth, by 
means of a syringe fitted with a long nozzle, which will 
admit of being insinuated between the upper surface of 
the tongue and roof of mouth, to the back part of the 
mouth. Or, having first cleared out the bowel by an 
injection of warm water, throw up 40 drops, or double the 
usual dose of the medicines above mentioned. 

It is impossible to lay down more precise rules for the 
treatment of such a disease as tetanus, which requires 
careful individualizing in each case, such as a practi- 
tioner on the spot, and conversant with the specialties of 
the symptoms, can alone do. 

In the only three cases that I have ever treated 
throughout since I adopted homoeopathy, with the result 
of two recoveries, the medicines used were Arnica^ Nux 
and Belladonna, 

Encouraged by the testimony of observant veterina- 
rians, and by the recovery of a man suffering from 
severe tetanus, treated by Dr. Moore, who has 
reported it in the '' British Journal of Ilomoeopathy," 
vol. xxiv., p. 506, I intend on the first opportunity to 
try Prussic Acid^ 20 drops, 1st dilution, every two hours, 
in tetanus attacking the horse. 

Some years ago, I proposed, on being called in in con- 
sultation with Mr. Williams, V. S., to use Chloroform as 
an injection. At the same time, homcjoopathic medicines 
were given, and, I understand, the case recovered. 



230 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Wounds and injuries, if still unhealed, should be 

treated with Arnica Lotion. If the foot has been pricked 

in shoeing, the shoe must be removed, the horn pared 

away, and a poultice put on ; adding some Arnica to the 

, poultice. 



3.— Hysteria. 

This name has been applied at my suggestion by Mr. 
Haycock, of Manchester, to a rare disease of the mare. 
The late Professor Dick, in his " Manual of Veterinary 
Science," mentions that he recognized three cases of it, 
also in mares. The pathology of the disease is quite 
unknown at the present time. The symptoms are not 
unlike those which are observed in cases of spinal apo- 
plexy befalling the human subject. 

The attack comes on suddenly, especially in mares 
that have rested and then worked hard, or have been 
lively and frisky at exercise. They begin to stagger, 
appear stiflp and sluggish, are indisposed or unable to 
move on, and evidently wish to lie down. The hind 
legs appear to be partially paralyzed. I have seen them 
standing on their fetlocks, with the soles of the hoofs 
turned backwards and upwards. When got into the 
stable, they lie fully extended on the ground, covered 
with sweat. They are every now and then seized with 
violent spasm, roll violently about and strain strongly, 
when dark-colored urine is discharged ; the eyeballs are 
full and projecting, the eyes red ; the muscles of the 
belly and legs are strongly contracted, and as hard as a 
board to the touch. The pulse and respiration are con- 
siderably increased in frequency. Symptoms of com- 



HYSTEKIA. 231 

plete paralysis of the hind legs appear, the animal makes 
desperate efforts to get up, but cannot, and soon sinks 
exhausted. In some mild cases, the severe symptoms 
abate, and the animal recovers. Such are the most im- 
portant symptoms of this curious disease. 

Treatment. 

Begin with Aconite and Belladonna^ in 20 drop doses, 
every half-hour or hour, alternately. If, after a few 
doses have been given, the animal is better, continue 
them every two or three hours, increasing the interval 
between the doses according to the improvement made. 

If there is no change for the better, give Nux Vomica 
in the same manner, instead of the other two medicines ; 
it is likewise required in recovering cases when the par- 
alytic symptoms do not clear oif rapidly. 

Acidum Hydrocyanicum (prussic acid) would, I think, 
be a likely remedy of value in such cases, especially 
when the convulsive struggles are strong, and the mus- 
cles hard and firmly contracted. 

In addition to the three cases mentioned by the late 
Professor Dick, I give my own experience. 

Case I. 

In June, 1872, I treated a horse which had been under the care 
of two allopathic veterinarians for two weeks, and then abandoned 
tor a week as hopeless, and pronounced incurable by several medical 
gentlemen, who were present when I was first called to see him. 

Symptoms. — Pulse 110; respiration 65; the horse was l>ing on 
his side, covered with cold sweat; had not been up in thiee weeks ; 
muscles strongly contracted. 

Treatment. — Gave Aconite and Belladonna.^ 20 drops, every half 
hour, alternately, and in four hours he got up. Continued this 
treatment for two days, then gave Nux Vomica.^ night and morning, 



232 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

and Aconite and Belladonna daring the day. In five days lie was 
well and went to pasture. 

Case II. 

William Harter, of Niles, N. Y., had a sorrel mare, which had 
been sick three months, and during that time had been treated by 
three different allopathic veterinarians. The disease had gone to 
the right hind quarter, making her very lame ; stifle very weak, 
and muscles and cords perished, leaving nothing but skin and bones. 

Treatment. — I gave her Ritsh and Nux^ three times a day. Also, 
rubbed the perished part with a salve made by taking two pounds 
of butter, two ounces of Oiiganum^ one -half ounce Tincture of Iodine^ 
warming the butter and stirring well together, when it is fit for 
use. Under this treatment the mare was well in two months. 

Case III. 

I also treated a mare belonging to Mr. D arrow, which, under allo- 
pathic treatment, had been left in the same condition as the one 
just mentioned. After being under my treatment for two months, 
she was well. 

Case IV. 

March 23, 1875, I treated another mare belonging to William 
Harter, of Niles, affected with the same disease. 

Symptoms. — Pulse 90 ; respiration 65 ; muscles contracted and 
very hard ; unable to get up, after the greatest effort. 

Treatment. — T gave her Aconite and Belladonna^ alternately, every 
half hour, 20 drop doses. On the second day, she got up, with 
help. She continued to improve during the day, and in a few hours 
was able to get up without help. On the third day gave Nux^ three 
times a day. To all appearance she is now well. 



4. — Megrims. 

Megrims means the same as vertigo and giddiness^ and 
depends upon a congested state of the brain. Although 
giddiness is a symptom of tumors and other lesions of 



MEGRIMS. 283 

tlie brain, " megrims" is generally restricted to that par- 
ticular giddiness which never comes on except when the 
animal is at work in a collar, and which is dae to pres- 
sure on the jugular veins. A tight or badly fitting 
collar is the direct cause, by impeding the return of 
blood from the brain along the jugular veins ; and vio- 
lent exertion, hot weather, dragging a heavy load up a 
hill, &c., determine the attack. Some horses are so 
peculiarly shaped in the neck that they become giddy 
even with a well-fitting collar. Megrims from obstruc- 
tion of a jugular left after bleeding with the fleam, is 
much rarer nowadays than formerl}^ 

I have known saddle-horses seized with giddiness, 
spin round and round, and throw the rider off. Whether 
this arose from organic disease, or from temporary causes 
independent of all restraint affecting the neck, it is 
impossible to sslj. 

The symptoms come on suddenly. The animal whilst 
going along suddenly stops, raises and shakes his head , 
looks wdld with staring eyes, looks stupidly about him, 
and staggers or sways from side to side. If the collar 
be not at once drawn forwards towards the head, the 
animal reels and falls in a heap, or he springs forwards 
and falls heavily against any obstruction that may be in 
the way. He may now be convulsed more or less, the 
breathing being quickened and the nostrils dilated. 
Presently he gets up conscious, shakes himself, looks 
above him as if wondering what it all meant, and is sooa 
himself again. 

Treatment. 

When the giddiness depends upon organic diseases of 
the brain, the case must be regarded as incurable. When 
11 



284 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

it arises from a too tight bearing-rein, or from an ill- 
fitting collar, the means of preventing an attack are 
obvious enough. When an attack threatens, the collar 
should be speedily pulled forward, and cold water 
dashed on the head. If the animal be fat and full- 
blooded, the diet should be reduced. 

Select, according to symptoms and general habit, from 
Aconitum^ Arnica. Belladonna^ China. Conium^ Lachesis^ 
Nux Vomica^ Opium^ Pulsatilla^ Ultus^ Silicea SiT\d Sulphur, 

Dose. — 20 drops of the selected remedy may be dissolved in a 
little water, and given once iu one, two, four, or six hours, 
according to the urgency of the sj-mptoms. 

Case. 

In October, 1850, I visited a valuable carriage horse, belonging 
to H. P. Ree, Esq., of Manchester, which for four ^^ears had been 
tlie subject of megrims. 

He is affected thus : — Whilst being driven he will stop with 
alarming suddenness— throw up his head — shake it wildly— turn 
round and round, the coachman having no control whatever over 
his movements. Sometimes he will stand still for a minute or two, 
and then go on as if nothing had been amiss. The same phenomena 
are exhibited when the coachman rides him ; he will hurriedly, and 
without a moment's wainimg, whirl round and round, and will 
sometimts come down on his knees; then the attack being over, he 
seems all right. 

I gave 20 drops of Arnica^ 1st dilution, night and morning. 

This treatment was continued for a week, when, no attacks hav- 
ing come on, it was suspended. 

Eight months afterwards he had another seizure ; the same med- 
icine effected the same results as before. 

He had, to my personal knowledge, no attack after this. Having 
become a roarer, he was sold seven years after my first visit, and 
then I lost sight of him. 



STURDY, OR GID OF SHEEP. 235 

5. — Sturdy, or Gid of Sheep. 

The disease thus commonly named is very frequent 
amongst sheep in some parts of the country, and depends 
upon the presence within the skull or in the brain, of 
the bladder form of the tape worm, derived from the dog. 
When dogs are fed with these worms from a sheep suf- 
fering from sturdy, the fully developed taenia is found 
more or less abundantly in their bowels within a few 
wrecks afterwards ; and when the joints of the same 
taenia are given to lambs, sturdy is developed in them. 
Consequently, whenever a shepherd's dog has tape- worm, 
the lambs and young sheep are certain to be the victims 
of sturdy. 

At first, when the bladder is small, there are no 
symptoms of significance, but when it increases in size, 
and presses upon the brain, various symptoms make 
their appearance, varying with the position occupied by 
the hydatid, and the particular part of the brain upon 
which the pressure is exercised ; and varying partly 
also owing to the soft brain of a young animal's skull 
yielding to the enlarging hydatid underneath. The 
sheep is dull, chews its food slowly and carelessly, and 
staggers when walking. From this latter symptom, the 
disease has received the name Staggers. When the 
bladder is situated in the substance of the brain, the 
sheep turns round and round with tlie head turned on 
one side, according as the right or left side of the brain 
is affected : and when located in the central line of the 
brain, the animal carries its head upwards and forwards. 
In some cases, it stands before a pool of water, ap])ar- 
ently looking into it, and sometimes tumbles in and is 



236 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

drowned. In others, when quietl}' nibbling grass, it 
saddenly starts as if in a fright, and scampers over the 
field. If the bones of the skull should give away to the 
hydatid, the pressure on the brain is so much the less, 
and a sheep previously giddy and dull, becomes better 
for a while ; or it may improve considerably, should the 
skull open and the fluid contents of the hydatid escape. 
As the hydatid is reaching a larger size, the giddiness 
and turning round are greater, more frequent, and more 
continuous. Paralysis and inability to stand up super- 
vene. Other peculiarities are noticeable. When the 
eyes are involved, the pupils are dilated, the ej^eball 
protruded and prominent, and vision more or less 
impaired — as we infer from the animal not going along 
with its companions, striking against trees or any other 
obstacle in its path, etc. When the hydatid is situated 
in the cerebellum, or small brain, the animal's move- 
ments are peculiar; it walks stiffly, leaps and falls, 
struggles and gets up, rolls about unsteadily on its legs, _. 
and so on. In all cases, whatever the general or special |j 
symptoms may be, there is progressive wasting and 
weakness. Death is the usual termination, unless the 
hydatid be removed by a natural effort, or by an opera- 
tion. 

Treatment. 

The only treatment that avails in this disease is to 
extirpate the hydatid after the manner of the Scotch 
shepherds, who feel for a soft part of the skull, pierce 
this part with a " borer," draw out the fluid in the blad- 
der with a syringe, and sometimes drag out the bladder 
itself. I have seen them use a stocking wire. Such 



APOPLEXY. 237 

measures often succeed, especially when only one blad- 
der exists, and the operation is not too long delayed. 
Dogs suffering from tape- worm should be banished from 
a sheep farm. 



6. — Apoplexy. 

Apoplexy of horses differs from staggers in this, that 
neither is there inflammation of the brain nor distension 
of the stomach. 

The premonitory symptoms consist in the hanging 
down or resting of the head for support ; evident dulness 
of sight and hearing, and a toppling, reeling motion, 
even when stationary ; if erect, after a varied duration 
of these manifestations — (in a case within our recollec- 
tion, they continued twenty-three hours) — a sudden fall 
takes place, muscular twitchings are observable, the ves- 
sels of the neck are distended, the muzzle is character- 
ized by coldness, the eyes being prominent, wide open, 
and immovable, and the pupils much dilated, with grind- 
ing of the teeth, and incapability of deglutition ; some- 
times, expulsion of all fluids through the nostrils, and 
spontaneous evacuations,; if convulsions ensue, the case 
is usually hopeless. Oxen, cows, &c., are subject to 
apoplexy, exhibiting the following symptoms (with little 
or no premonition) — sudden falling, with loud, thick, 
heavy, noisy, or gurgling respiration, and fearful strug- 
gles. Sheep exhibit premonitory symptoms, such as 
slow and languid movements, apparent stupor, delicient 
or lazy rumination, and slight heaving of the Ihmks; 
they then, of a sudden, become perfectly motionless as 



238 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

tbey stand; with insensibility of hearing ; immovable 
and insensible eyes ; dilated pupils ; or even purple hue 
of the conjunctiva and interior of the nostrils (which are 
dilated) ; tottering of the limbs on attempting to move ; 
thick, gurgling, or snoring respiration, and a full, hard 
(distensive), pulse ; sometimes the pulse is impeded, con- 
fluent, slow, and full ; lastly, the animal oscillates, and 
finally falls ; the struggle which ensues is but of short 
duration. The pig betrays similar symptoms, but the 
eye has a more frenzied and bright red appearance, and 
the surface of the body generally appears to be numbed 
and insensible. 

Treatment. 

Select according to symptoms and general habit, from 
AconituTYi^ Antimonium crud.^ Arnica^ Baryta carb.^ Bella- 
donna^ Cocculus^ Conium^ Digitalis^ Hyoscyamus^ Ipecacu- 
anha (for sheep especially), Lachesis^ Mercurius^ Nux 
vomica^ Opium^ Pulsatilla^ and Tartarus emeticus. 

Doses. — On the first appearance of premonitory symptoms, ad- 
minister repeated doses of the appropriate remedy, at intervals 
of from ten to sixty minutes, until the symptoms subside ; or, 
immediately upon recovery from a paroxysm, administer a 
dose, repeating it after two hours, again after three more hours, 
and again after six hours. 



7. — Sunstroke— Coup de Soleil. 

Sunstroke may be called that form of apoplexy, in 
horses particularly, which is brought on by over-exertion 
and exposure to the intense heat of the sun. 



STAGGERS. 239 

8.— Staggers. 

Staggers is a disease to which horses are subject, and 
of which there are two varieties, viz., stomach or sleepy 
staggers, characterized by distension of the stomach, and 
purely occasioned by irregular and excessive feeding 
(eating too quick) : and mad staggers with inflammation 
of the brain, and corresponding with that disease in other 
animals. 

The symptoms of stomach staggers (with distension of 
the stomach) are as follows : — The animal stands listless- 
ly, drooping, drowsy, and oscillating, or staring vacantly 
if disturbed ; continually dozing, or dozing with food in 
the mouth, as, for instance, a mouthful of hay ; and 
lastly, falling. Delirium sometimes ensues, the animal 
repeatedly falling, and getting up again, and violently 
striking at itself, or being seized with severe convul- 
sions ; sometimes, also, there is great difficulty in backing ; 
if in action, the feet are lifted very high ; the head is 
turned right and left, without changing position, or the 
animal falling upon its haunches, and wheeling round, 
with the fore-legs stiff and straightened. 

In Mad Staggers the early symptoms are very anal- 
ogous to those of the stomach or sleepy staggers ; but as 
the real nature of this disease — inflammation of the 
brain — develops its characteristic features, violent heav- 
ing of the flanks ensues ; the eyes become wild, red, and 
staring ; the nostrils are strongly dilated ; and, in the 
place of the heavy, drowsy, sleepiness of the eyes, the 
eyes become vivid, strongly and permanently opened, 
and furious delirium, with frantic movements, ensues ; 
the animal rushes furiously from place to place, but with 



240 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

no malicious clestructiveness, as in rabies, aiKl evidently 
quite unconscious ; whereas, in tlie rabid disease, con- 
sciousness is never lost ; lastly the stupor returns in an 
aggravated degree, or the animal is perfectly exhausted 
and motionless. Colic is often cliaracterized by move- 
ments and fury almost akin to that of staggers (frenzy, 
or brain fever), but consciousness is never lost in colic, 
and the rolling is the more prevalent and characteristic 
of the movements. 



9. — Inflammation of the Brain, Brain Fever, 
or Frenzy. 

This disease, which prevails amongst oxen, &c., sheep, 
and other animals, chiefly at the height of summer, and 
when the heat is excessive, and which may at such times 
be provoked by over-driving, or excessive exposure to 
the direct rays of the sun, or by insufficiency of water, 
or excessive and over-stimulating food, is analogous to 
the mad staggers of the horse. Pigs are generally sub- 
ject to this complaint, as the consecutive result of apo- 
plexy. 

Cattle, in addition to, or with some modification of the 
symptoms of mad staggers, also exhibit the folio wiiig 
peculiarities in brain fever : During the frenzied period 
there is a peculiar aversion to, or excitation caused by, 
red (a color of which cattle have a natural abhorrence) ; 
the movements are, perhaps, more heedless and headlong 
than those of the horse; the tail is arched, the furious 
galloping incessant, and the bellowing frightful ; the skin 
adheres to the ribs (as in hidebound), and the whole 
course of the spine and adjacent parts are peculiarly ten- 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 241 

der, on being touched ; lastly, the animal falls head fore- 
most, and either relapses into stupor or remains motion- 
less from exhaustion ; the premonitory symptoms consist 
of vivid redness' and prominence of the eyes ; invincible 
repugnance to motion, heavy dulness and drowsiness, 
and thick, oppressed, and heavy respiration. Amongst 
sheep the symptoms partake of the features already de- 
scribed. It is more frequently developed amongst lambs 
than amongst full grown sheep. As in the case of the 
pig, it is liable to follow as the consecutive result of apo- 
plexy. 

Select from Acomtum, Arsenicum, Belladonna^ Bryonia^ 
Calcarea^ Causticum^ Cocculus^ Digitalis^ Dulcamara^ 
Ignatia^ Pulsatilla^ Rhus^ Veratriim (especially if the 
spine be severely affected) ; or, generall}^, Aconitum, Bel- 
ladonna^ Bryonia^ Camphor Tincture (if caused by sun- 
stroke), Cantharides^ Cina^ Cocculus^ Cuprum a.. Digitalis^ 
Helleborus nig.^ Hyoscyamiis^ Lachesis^ Mercurius^ Opium^ 
and Sulphur. 

Doses. — Of Opium Tincture^ from 8 to 20 drops for oxen, &c., 
and from 4 to 12 drops for sheep and pigs, every half hour, 
until the symptoms subside. The administration of the other 
remedies should be such as directed in the following pages. 

Treatment. 

In giddiness, apoplexy, sunstroke, and mad and stom- 
ach staggers, or inflammation of the brain, 20 drops of 
the diluted remedy should be mixed in a little water for 
horses, a smaller number of drops for animals less in 
size, and given, as already directed, as soon as the pre- 
monitory symptoms set in, and the dose should be re- 
peated at intervals of from ten to sixty minutes, until 
11-^- 



242 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

the symptoms subside. After recovering from a fit, the 
medicine should be given for a week at least, night 
and morning. 

' Aconite. — Twenty drops mixed as above directed ; 
to be given every hour or Wo hours, when the inflam- 
mation is very intense, the pulse rapid and hard, and' 
the breathing labored. Aconite is our main reliance 
in the onset of inflammation, and should be continued 
till the violence of the fever abates, and the symptoms . 
begin to indicate more particularly some other remedy. 

Belladonna. — Twenty drops mixed as above directed, 
and a similar dose given every hour, or half hour, till 
easier, when the' animal is plunging, rearing up, furious, 
unconscious. Attempts to bite ; has a wild, fierce look ; 
tries to leap out of the box ; foams at the mouth ; trem- 
bles all over. Falls down, covered with sweat ; remains 
lying a short time ; rises again, and becomes violent as 
before. Belladonna is the most specific remedy for pure 
brain fever, especially when the disorder aggravates in 
paroxysms ; and its influence shouid be continued as 
long as the improvement sustains its use. In this, as in 
all other remedies, the doses should be made farther 
apart as the symptoms become lighter, and the parox- 
ysms return less frequently. 

Opium. — Twenty drops mixed in a teaspoonful of 
water, every two hours, when there are redness about 
the eyes and eyelids ; a dull, heavy, stupid look ; drow- 
siness ; his head hangs down, or he leans on the man- 
ger. Ej^es glassy. Nostrils dilated. Obstinate constipa- 
tion. Pulse slow and full. Suitable for sleepy staggers 
arising from an affection of the brain. 

Arnica. — Twenty drops of the tincture in one pint of 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 243 

water; give a tablespoonful once in one hour, or, in 
extreme cases, once in half an hour, with external appli- 
cation of the Arnica lotion, when the disorder of the 
head or brain results from a blow, a concussion, or other 
external injury. The external application may be made 
in alternation, or at the same time with the internal 
exhibition of this remedy. 

Gelseminum. — Twenty drops mixed in a little water ; 
dose as in Opium, every hour, or two hours, in conges- 
tion of the brain from exposure to the heat of the sun, 
when there is a manifest, almost paralytic, weakness of 
the muscles and limbs ; the pupils are dilated. 

Glonoine. — A dose prepared as above directed for 
Gelseminum every hour, or two hours, in apoplexy, or 
sunstroke, when there is most violent congestion to the head. 
The eyes protrude^ and have a wild^ staring look, but there 
is not the fury described under Belladonna. 

Nux Vomica, — Twenty drops, in a little water, may 
be given once in one, two, or three hours, according to 
the severity of the attack, especially of sleepy staggei^s^ 
and where the patient has already been drugged, or 
labors under constipation, and in horses suffering from 
weakness or old age. 

Stomach staggers — palsy of the stomach — is a disease 
sometimes temporary, caused by driving too soon after 
eating a hearty meal, especially of corn ; and it may 
show itself in the mildest form by frequent and continual 
stumbling and hocking (stumbling with hind-feet) when 
driving under such circumstances. Nux vom. will 
greatly help in this case. 

The proper treatment of stomach staggers (caused in 
great measure by [)ressure of the contents of the stom- 



244 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

ach, flatus, and undigested food, upon the large nerves, 
and SO reflected to the brain) will be greatly facilitated 
by freely opening the bowels as soon as possible. This 
may be done by giving one pint of Linseed oil^ or half a 
pint of Castor oil^ and, in urgent cases, the action of the 
purgative may be hastened by administering an injec- 
tion consisting of half a gallon of warm milk and water, 
or warm soapsuds. 

Stramonmm. — Twenty drops mixed as above directed, 
and a similar dose once in three hours, may be given in 
what are popularly called " blind staggers," where the 
h orse suddenly stops, shakes his head, staggers, falls 
down, presently gets up and proceeds on his way, — or 
he may stagger without falling Trembling and con- 
vulsion of the whole body. Eolling of the eyes. Nos- 
trils fully dilated. 

Lycopodmm may be indicated in such a case as that 
described under Stramonium, and given in a similar 
dose, w^hen the fan-like opening and closing of the nos- 
trils is distinctly perceptible. It may then be given in 
conjunction with this remedy, a dose once in four hours. 
And in connection with Nux vomica when there is much 
and rapid formation of flatulence. 

If no one of the above mentioned remedies seems to 
suit the case in hand, select, according to symptoms, 
from Arsenicum^ Bryonia^ Cocculiis^ Conium^ Hyoscyamus^ 
Lachesis^ Aiiti. c.^ Ghina^ Rhus, Digitalis, Ipecacuanha, (for 
sheep especially,) Mercuriiis, and Tartar emetic. 

To remove the tendency to apoplexy and many other 
brain diseases, Sulphur may be given twice a week with 
great advantage. 



I 



WATER ON THE BRAIN. 245 

10. — Concussion of the Brain. 

This disorder, the result of some mechanical influence, 
needs no particular description. Every violent blow or 
fall upon the head is liable to result in concussion of the 
brain. 

Treatment. 

This is very simple. Arnica is the principal, and 
when the case is at all curative, the sufficient remedy. 
It should be given internally, in doses of six to ten drops 
of the dilution once in three hours, or three times a day, 
according to the severity of the original injury. Exter- 
nally the Arnica Lotion should be freely applied thrice 
daily. 



11. — Water on the Brain. 

This disease gives rise amongst calves to symptoms 
very analogous to those of apoplexy ; but the slow, pro- 
tracted, often inactive, nature of these symptoms, besides 
the frequent enlargement of the head, will sufficiently 
distinguish it from an apoplectic affection, whose course 
is always rapid. Lambs are subject to the same disease, 
which is of uterine origin. Many of the symptoms are 
also analogous to those of apoplexy, but here we further 
notice a more or less enlargement of the head, gradual 
and severe emaciation ; sometimes an obstinate state of 
costiveness, and occasionally intractable relaxation ; the 
appetite varying from total deficiency to craving, mor- 
bid, and ravenous consumption of food. 



246 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Treatment. 

Select from the following remedies : Acomtum, Arseni- 
cum^ Belladonna^ Cina^ Digitalis^ Hellehorus^ Ledum^ and 
Sulphur. 

Doses. — ^rom 4 to 20 drops, tbree times a day. 



(I 



12.— Hydatids of the Brain. 

A disease to which both sheep (especially) and cattle 
are known to be liable, and which, as regards sheep, is 
known by the familiar name of turnsick^ and has also 
been designated b}^ a variety of other local or rustic 
names. By whatever name it is called, it has been 
ascertained to arise from the presence of a quantity of 
small, peculiar insects which are lodged in various parts 
of the cavity of the head, either upon the division of the 
two portions of the brain, or within the substance, or 
upon the surface of the brain, or between the membranes 
which inclose it. Damp and ill-drained lands appear to 
provoke this disease, which is little known in elevated 
districts, or where the land has been efficiently drained. I i 

The earlier symptoms are indolent and imperfect 
rumination ; irregular and insufficient browsing ; listless- 
ne^, and. solitary disposition ; oscillation during motion ; 
apparent absence of consciousness; the flesh wastes! 1 
away ; the expression becomes painful, and the face 
sunken ; there is a peculiar attractipn in the waterside, 
and if there be running water at hand, the animal will 
draw near to it, and stand abstractedly over it, often till 
giddiness supervenes, and it falls headlong into the 
stream or ditch ; whilst browsing, the animal appears 
from time to time to be suddenly startled, and after star- 



II 



HYDATIDS OF THE BRAIN. 247 

ing stupidly about it for a moment, it suddenly starts 
away at the top of its speed ; the substance of the eye 
becomes gradually discolored, until it is perfectly blue ; 
and the head is fixedly turned to one and constantly to 
the same side ; or sometimes on one side, sometimes on 
the other, or lowered forwards (with repeated headlong 
falling), and occasionally raised and reverted upwards 
•towards the back, when . the animal will oscillate from 
side to side in moving; these symptoms increase until 
the animal begins to spin round upon one spot until it 
falls, whilst, upon getting up again, the same motion is 
renewed. 

Treatment. 

Select from the following remedies : Belladonna^ Can- 
iharides^ China^ Oina^ Graphites^ Mercurius^ Rhus^ Ruta. 
Give ten drop doses. Upon the first detection of the 
premonitory symptoms, the administration should be 
repeated every twelve hours, until relief ensues. 

Cows are subject to a similar affection, arising, also, 
out of the presence of this peculiar insect, inclosed in 
tumors generated by it, and forming upon the surface, 
between the membranes, or within the substance of the 
brain. The symptoms are very similar, differing only in 
the effects which are peculiar to the species ; increased 
heatj more or less intense, in the ears and roots of the 
horn ; staring coat ; dryness of the muzzle ; accelerated 
and small (sometimes), or full and bounding pulse ; 
little appetite, without rumination, and, by degrees, the 
commencement of the characteristic rotatory motion. 
The remedies above mentioned may be consulted, 
although the affection is obviously not very amenable to 
medication in any domestic animal. 



248 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

13. — Paralysis. 
IN HORSES AND OXEN. 

Paralysis means a total or partial loss of the power of 
feeling, or of moving, or of both, limited to one part of 
the body, or affecting the whole of it. 

Facial Paralysis is conJSned to the muscles of the 
face, and is chiefly caused by pressure upon the nerves 
of the face by heavy head -gear, and by exposure to 
draughts of cold air. Usually only one side of the face 
is involved, sometimes both. The lip, especially the 
corner of the lower one, hangs down motionless, and 
appears to be swollen ; the lips on the sound side are 
drawn towards that side, and the angle of the mouth 
drawn upwards. When the horse eats, he turns his 
head on one side — on the healthy side, so that he may 
use the unparalyzed side of his lips. The food is not 
chewed so well as usual, and it becomes crammed in be- 
tween the teeth and cheek of the diseased side ; and 
sometimes the morsel drops out. In some cases, the 
prick of a pin is not felt — showing paralysis of sensation 
as well as of motion. 

IIemiplegia occurs when one side of the body is par- 
alyzed. This rare form depends on effusion of blood or 
tumors on one side of the brain, or in the upper part of 
the spinal marrow. It comes on suddenly, like a '* stroke." 
The animal falls down and cannot rise without help. 
The head is drawn to one side ; the ear hangs down use- 
less ; the eye squints ; a fore and hind leg of the same 
side are weak and cannot be voluntarih^ moved ; and 
the animal either cannot walk at all, or he does so in an 
awkward, hobbling manner. 



PARALYSIS. 249 

Paraplegia consists of paralysis of the hinder half 
of the bodj, and depends upon disease of the spinal 
marrow, fractures of the vertebral bones, &c. When the 
disease is fully developed, we observe that the animal is 
unable to stand, and tumbles down; he struggles to get 
up, raising himself on his fore legs, with his haunches 
remaining powerless on the ground, like a dog sitting. 
In this position, he may drag himself along the ground 
for a few paces. If he is raised on his feet, he cannot 
stand long, or at all, on his hind legs ; the hind pasterns 
double under, with the soles of the hoof looking upwards. 
Unless recovery takes place, or he is destroyed, the 
symptoms of paralysis continue the same, the urine and 
foeces escape involuntarilj^^, and the hind legs mortify. 

Treatment. 

In all cases, treatment, in order to be successful, must 
be steadily continued for some time, as, even in the most 
favorable cases for recovery, improvement and complete 
restoration cannot be brought about speedily. Where 
the paralysis comes on suddenly from a severe injury, 
such as may be received in casting, from falls, from 
injuries to the spine in jumping, etc., the bone of the 
back may be broken, or the spinal marrow itself so much 
damaged as to preclude recovery. 

The best medicines are the following : 

Arnica is required when the paralj^sis follows injuries, 
blows, heavy bodies falling on the back, etc. Arnica 
Lotion should be applied night and morning at least to 
tlie part. 

Rhus Toxicodeivlron when tlie })ai"alysis is the result oi" 



250 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

a sprain, or over-reach, as in jumping. Apply Ehus 
Lotion also. 

After an injury is received, some degree of feverish- 
ness usually follows in a few hours; in such a case 
Aconite will prove useful. 

Belladonna is required in those cases which have come 
on gradually, and are presumed to depend on conges- 
tion. 

Nux Vomica^ when there is reason to believe that the 
nervous centres are free from congestion, and that the 
paralysis is due merely to diminished nutrition of the 
spinal cord. 

Graphites I have found to be the best for facial par- 
alysis, and have cured many cases with it. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and cows; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Give a dose three times a day. 



14. — Stringhalt. 
IN HORSES. 

This name is given to a peculiar movement of the 
hind leg, arising from irregular, spasmodic action of the 
muscles, owing to some undiscovered disease of the 
nerves. Oliphant, in his "Law of Horses," says "it is 
probably so called from its resemblance to the sort of 
halt produced by a string tied to the leg of a pig, and 
held in the hand of the person driving it." Legally it 
constitutes unsoundness. It is inciirable. 

I have cured mild cases by the use of Oimicifuga and 
Nux Vomica, in 20 drop doses, six times a day alter- 
nately. 



OHAPTEE XIII. 
DISEASES OF THE EYE. 



1.— Ophthalmia, 
IN HORSES. 

This is the name for inflammation of the mucous 
membrane which lines the inner surface of the eyelids, 
and is reflected over the front of the eyeball. The most 
frequent causes are, injuries from a stick or whip, or 
knocking the eye against a hard body ; the irritation 
caused by a seed, a bit of hay or dust getting into the 
eye, or by the ingrowing of an e}' clash ; and an 
unhealthy condition of body, induced by living in a 
damp, ill-ventilated place. In catarrh, as has been 
stated in my remarks on that disease, the eye is more 
or less inflamed. 

The eyelids are swollen and closed, and there is a 
copious flow of scalding tears, which run down the face 
and fret the skin. At the corner of the eyes a small 
quantity of thickish mucus is observed at a later period. 
There is a great sensitiveness to light, and a strong 
reluctance to separate the lids, or have them separated 
by force. On examination, the membrane of the eye is 



252 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

seen to be red and traversed by a network of line ves- 
sels, and the front part of the ball (cornea) is dim and 
muddy. In acute cases, there may be quickened pulse 
and other indications of feverishness ; in chronic, there 
are none such. 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

Besides the general causes, one almost peculiar to 
oxen operates in the production of ophthalmia — it is 
inversion of the lower eyelid, whereby the lashes are 
turned inwards and keep np constant'' irritation of the 
part. This condition is called Trichiasis^ by Dick. 

Treatment. 

It is necessary to examine the eye for foreign bodies, 
and, of course, to remove them, if found. The usual 
place for such bodies is under the upper lid, which 
should be turned inside out by taking the edge of it 
between the finger and thumb and turning it out on the 
point of the finger. In all cases, the eye should be 
bathed w^ith warm water three or four times a day^ light 
excluded, and no corn allowed for a few days. Much 
relief may be given, when a small portion of the cornea 
has been removed by a blow, or lash, by applying a 
drop or two of castor oil to the injured part. Whenever 
injuries have been the cause, Arnica Lotion should be 
dabbed on the outside several times a da}^ 

Aconite is required when there are symptoms of fever- 
ishness. 

Belladonna^ when the ej^es are very sensitive to light ; 
the membrane of the eye red and injected ; the tears 
copious ; and the lids swollen and shut. 

Mercurius Corrosivus is indicated, especially after, or 



I 



PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. 253 

alternately with the last medicine, when there is secre- 
tion of mucus, with sticking together of the lids, and 
when the cornea is hazj. 

Euphrasia is sometimes of service when there is copi- 
ous secretion and flow of tears, and great intolerance of 
light. 

NiixYoraica may be required alone, or alternately with 
Belladonna or Mercurius^ according to the indications for 
each, when there are symptoms of indigestion. 

Sulpliur is often valuable in chronic intractable cases. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen ; 10 for sheep and pigs. 
Repeat the doses every two or three hours, according to the 
violence of the symptoms. 



2. — Periodic Ophthalmia. 

This disease, which is exclusively confined to the 
horse species, nnlike simple conjunctiva, consists, not 
merely of inflammation of the superficial membrane cov- 
ering the eye, but of inflammation of the entire eyeball 
— of all the structures enclosed within the globe. It is 
called iieriodic^ from its relapsing or recurrent character ; 
specific^ from its presumed dependence upon some special, 
constitutional eause, of which no one knows anything ; 
and moon-blindness^ from its frequently occurring at the 
time of the moon's changes. None of these names 
correctly expresses what the disease really is. 

Some horses are more susceptible to it than others ; 
those, namely, of lax and flabby fibre, with flat feet and 
thick skin, and soft-hearted and funky at their work, 
especially if they have been bred and reared on damp, 
clayey soils, exposed to a humid atmosphere, fed on poor 



254 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

food, overworked, and kept in an ill-ventilated, ill 
lighted, ill-drained stable. Pig-eyed horses, in whom 
the eye is small and sunk into the socket, are alsoi 
peculiarly liable to suffer from this disease. It ii 
beyond doubt that this affection is hereditary — that ii 
to say, a sire or dam suffering from it, or blind from it, 
will transmit a tendency or predisposition to their 
progeny. It is more frequent in horses than in mares, 
and in young horses than old — both circumstances 
being explained by the local afflux of blood to the head 
during dentition, and the irritation of cutting the canine 
teeth, which are absent in the mare. 

The symptoms begin either gradually with slight 
weeping and injection of the eyes, or suddenly, perhaps 
during the night, with swollen and nearly closed eyelids, 
and profuse discharge of tears. On making an examina- 
tion, the animal shows his dislike to have the lids sep- 
arated, and we discover that the eye is extremely sensi- 
tive to light, and pulled backwards into the socket, that 
the " haw " is red, swollen, and drawn partially in front 
of the eyeball, and that the conjunctiva is everywhere 
highly injected and red. At the same time, the pulse is 
full and frequent, the mouth hot and dry, the bowels 
costive, the urine scanty — all indicating^ certain degree 
of feverish excitement, which varies with the suddenness 
of the attack and rapidity of its progress. In a few days, 
more or less, the turgid vessels are observed as minute 
red lines running into the rim of the transparent cornea, 
and the latter now presents a whitish appearance, either 
from being rendered opaque in itself, or from turbidity 
of the clear, internal humors, or from deposits of lymphy 
exudation. In favorable cases, the symptoms subside. 






PEKIODIC OPHTHALMIA. 255 

often very quickly, the intolerance of light becomes less, 
the superficial redness disappears, the exuded matters 
are absorbed, and, in a first attack, the eye is restored to 
its healthy condition. In bad cases, the internal struc- 
tures of the eye become permanently clouded, or utterly 
disorganized, and vision is lost forever. 

The chief peculiarity of the disease is that the most 
favorable cases relapse, or subsequent attacks recur. The 
disease may fly about from one eye to the other, and its 
duration extend over several weeks, or even months — 
each attack leaving the eye more and more damaged, 
until it exhausts itself in the utter destruction of the eye 
for all visual purposes. 

Probably it would be found, if an examination were 
made by means of the ophthalmoscope as used in 
human practice, that even in the most trivial attack to 
superficial inspection, the delicate structures of the inte- 
rior of the eye are left irretrievably damaged. To the 
view of the naked eye, the most notable changes are 
opacity of the crystalline lens, constituting Cataract ; 
specks on the cornea, or a diffused dimness ; and a 
shrunken, pointed condition of the eyeball. 

Treatment. 

This is a most provoking disease to treat, for when a 
case^is to all appearances doing well, a relapse takes 
place, and matters are as bad as ever, or even worse ; 
and when one eye makes a tolerable escape, the sound 
one is attacked in its turn. Such a feature is, however, 
unavoidable, and as much an essential of the disease as 
for catarrh to be attended with a running nose. Under 
allopathic treatment, the uselessness of bleeding, purges, 



256 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

fomentations, setons, blisters, eye-washes, etc., is admitted 
on all hands. As compared with it, homoeopathy, with- 
out pretending to save every eye, may confidently avo 
its superiority. 

The animal should be placed in a darkened box, an^ 
light kept carefully excluded until the intolerance o1 
light is notably less. 

In the earliest period of the disease, when the anima] 
is feverish, the pulse being quickened, the mouth dr; 
and hot, etc. ; and when the lids are almost shut an^ 
swollen, the membrane covering the eye injected, and 
the flow of tears copious, give Aconite and Belladonna^ in 
turn, every two or three hours. 

When the general feverishness is reduced, but the eye 
still remains inflamed superficially, and we notice 
whitish, or brownish appearance in the interior, giv^ 
Belladonna and Mercurius Cottoswus^ in turn, every twi 
or three hours, until the symptoms abate, when they 
ma}^ be given less frequently. 

From the very outset and throughout the course of 
the disease, until the attack is fairly over, and the eye is 
resuming its natural clearness, it is of the first conse- 
quence to apply to the outside of the eye, and also, if 
possible, under the lids. Belladonna Lotion^ which is 
made by dissolving 4 grains of the extract in one 
ounce of water. Pour some into the hollow of the hand 
and apply several times a daj^ 

When the red and injected appearance of the eye is 
decidedly reduced, I would recommend Mercur. Cor. to 
be steadily continued for some time, three or four times 
a day, so long as any opacity of the cornea, or dimness 
of the internal humors remains. 



CATARACT. 257 

In relapsing, recurrent cases, attention sliould be paid 
to the ventilation and drainage of the stable, and the 
animal should be placed under a steady course of 
Arsenicum^ 4 grains of the first trituration, three times a 
day ; suspending it, and resuming the above medicines, 
should acute or sub-acute symptoms return. 

I would likewise suggest a trial of Kali Bichromicum, 
and use one-half ounce of German wash in one-half pint 
of water. 

Doses.— 20 drops of the above medicine. 



3. — Cataract. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Cataract consists of opacity of the crystalline lens, or 
of its capsule, or of both. The lens is more frequently 
found opaque than the capsule. In health, both the lens 
and its investing membrane are perfectly transparent. — 
The opacity may affect the whole or only a part of either 
of these structures. 

The capsular variety of cataract is generally caused 
by inflammation, or by wounds or blows affecting the 
whole eyeball, or part of it. The opacity then comes on 
very quickly. 

Opacity of the lens itself, although it may arise from 
the above causes, is usually formed in old animals as the 
consequence of senile degeneration of tissue from imper- 
fect nutrition, and in horses as a very frequent conse- 
quence of ''periodic ophthalmia." 

The opacity that supervenes on inflammation is more 
12 



258 DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

likely to be removed than the form produced by old age, 
which always gets worse and worse. 

Cataract may affect both eyes, or -only one. In old 
animals both eyes are usually cataractous, one wholly so, 
the other in part ; whilst, if the opacity should have fol- 
lowed a blow or penetrating wound, the injured eye only 
is affected, and the other will remain sound until old age 
creeps on. As a rule, the blindness of old age depends 
on cataract. 

Cataract is known by seeing behind the pupil an 
opaque body of a whitish grey color, which is best seen 
when the pupil is dilated by the previous application of 
Atropin, This preliminary step should always be taken 
in aid of correct diagnosis, when the case is doubtful. — 
Of course, vision is more or less imperfect in proportion 
to the size and situation of the cataract. From the move- 
ments and behavior of the animal, the inferences maybe 
drawn that vision is better in the evening or in a sub- 
dued light, than it is in the full sunshine ; and that it is 
improved so long as the pupil remains dilated under the 
action of Atropin, 

Treatment. 

No medicine can remove cataract, as far as I know. — ■ 
And, in animals, an operation is practically useless. 



4.— Amaurosis. 

IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Amaurosis, or gutta serena, is the name applied to a 
disease in which the optic nerve, or the brain, is so disor- 
dered, as to give rise to imperfect sight. Amaurosis majj 



AMAUROSIS. 259 

be consequent upon some structural disease of the brain, 
or of the optic nerve. It may follow a blow, or some 
other form of violence received on the head. In some 
cases, it is difl&cult to make out the cause. 

In gutta serena the eye is clear, bright, and transpar- 
ent ; the pupil is dilated, and the iris sluggish at first, 
immovable afterwards, as tested by the introduction of 
light into the eye. The movements of the animal show 
that there is partial or total blindness; he stumbles 
against every object in his way, and his whole gait is pe- 
culiar and characteristic. These symptoms may depend 
on several different pathological conditions of the inte- 
rior of the eye. The human oculist has proved, by 
means of the ophthalmoscope, that the lesions which af- 
fect the internal structures are numerous and various, 
and that they are improperly classified under the gen- 
eral head of amaurosis. But such distinctions have yet 
to be drawn in veterinary pathology. The old names, 
though wanting in scientific accuracy, are retained as 
conveniently designating those cases of blindness which 
are dependent on obscure and unascertained changes in 
the visual apparatus, especially the nervous part of it. 

Treatment. 

One oz. of German wash in a pint of soft water, should 
be applied twice a day, and attention paid to the general 
health. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Under such nondescript names as " surfeit," ''mange, 
and so on, are conveniently clubbed together several en- 
tirely different skin diseases, incidental to the lower ani 
mals. These diseases can be classified, with at least some 
approach to diagnostic accuracy, by following the ar- 
rangement of human skin diseases into special groups. 



1. — Parasitic Diseases. 

Maggots in Sheep. — The large blow-fly deposits] 
eggs on the sheep, during hot days in summer, especially! 
when the quarters and adjacent parts are fouled from] 
diarrhoea. Any wounded surface is also a favorite place! 
for such deposits. The eggs in process of time are de- 
veloped into myriads of maggots, which eat into the! 
skin, and cause deep sores, and free mattery discharge. 
The animal becomes depressed, eats nothing, and sinks 
from exhaustion, unless properly cared for and treated. 

The treatment consists in clipping off the wool from I j 
the soiled or injured parts which the fly attacks ; in keep- 
ing it thoroughly clean ; in feeding liberally to support 



PARASITIC DISEASES. 261 

the strength ; in giving 10 drops of Arsenicum^ three 
times a day, or 10 drops of Carbolic Acid ; and in dress- 
ing the part with Spirits of Tar. 



Warbles. — This name is applied to the swelling so 
often met with on the skin of oxen, occasionally on that 
of the horse, from the gad-fly depositing its eggs in the 
skin ; a tumor, often as large as a pigeon's egg, contain- 
ing grubs and matter, being the result. The back and 
loins are the favorite places for the fly's operations. — 
There may be several such swellings. During the pro 
cess of depositing the eggs, the cow is in great fright, 
and scampers up and down the field in furious excite- 
ment. 

The treatment consists in cutting into each tumor, 
squeezing out its contents, and afterwards applying Sul- 
phurous Acid^ three or four times a day ; give 10 drops 
of Carbolic Acid^ three times a day. The grubs should 
be burnt. 



Ticks. — These blood-sucking creatures attack the skin 
of horses, cattle, and sheep; and more especially injure 
ewes and lambs in spring. 

Dressing with olive oil, and subsequently washing with 
soft soap and water, are effectual and innocent measures. 
Use two ounces of German Wash in one quart of water. 
Give 10 drops of Carbolic Acid^ three times a day. 



Lice. — Various species of lice infest the skin of all 
the domesticated animals. Severe itching is set up, to 



262 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

relieve which the animal scratches himself until his skin 
is tender and sore. Filth and poverty are favorable for 
the development of lice. 

There is a peculiar skin disease, named Phthiriasis, 
sometimes met with amongst horses where poultry are 
kept, from transmigration of a particular louse from the 
fowl to the horse. The itching is so excessive, that the 
animal is constantly rubbing himself, stamping the 
ground, kicking his belly, biting his skin, and altogether 
in a very sorry plight. In consequence of the scratch- 
ing, the hair is rubbed off, and the denuded surface is 
covered with blood, or various kinds of eruption. This 
louse may visit the groom. 

The treatment of lousiness consists in burning infected 
bedding and clothing ; in washing harness and brushes 
in hot water ; in attending to thorough cleanliness ; and 
in dressing every 'part of the hide with olive oil, or this 
failing, with Sulphurous Acid. The eruption caused by 
the lice either disappears of itself, after they are killed, 
or may be readily cured by giving the usual doses of 
Arsenicum^ three times a day, or 10 drops of Carholic 
Acid. 



Scabies, Itch, Mange. — The disease bearing these 
names arises from an insect or mite which burrows in 
the skin, and induces severe irritation, followed by vari- 
ous eruptions. 

Itch in the horse, according to the greatest authority 
Gerlach, is excited by three species of insects, namely 
the Sarcoptes Equi^ which burrows in the skin ; the Der. 
matodectes Equi^ which bites and fastens itself to the skin . . 
and the Symhiotes Equi^ which penetrates no further than 



PARASITIC DISEASES. 263 

the superficial layer of the skin. The first closely re- 
sembles the Sarcoptes of man, both in its appearance, and 
in the general features of the eruption to which it gives 
rise. It can live on man, and excite an eruption, which 
is identical with that of human itch, and which may dis- 
appear spontaneously. Grooms attending "mangy" 
horses have been known to suffer from horse itch, caused 
by the S, Equi. Cattle, also, are affected by it, but ex- 
periments have as yet failed in transmitting it to sheep 
and pigs. The second parasite is the special itch insect 
of the horse, as, if transmitted to the skin of other ani- 
mals, it speedily dies. In the horse, it gives rise to itch- 
ing, loss of hair, and a scurfy condition of the skin. — 
The third is found in clusters, especially about the horse's 
heels ; then the animal rubs one leg on the other, stamps 
with his feet, attempts to bite the part, &c., and crusts of 
scurf form. It -is also peculiar to the horse, and cannot 
live on other species. 

In oxen, two parasites are found, corresponding with 
the two last kinds mentioned above as affecting the horse, 
but they do not live on the latter. 

In sheep, the parasite fastens itself on the skin, and 
does not burrow at all — it is the Dermatodectes ovis^ form- 
erly called the Sarcoptes ovis. The disease it gives rise 
to is called the Scab — one that is most injurious to the 
good condition of a flock, and difficult to eradicate, partly 
because it is communicated from diseased to healthy ani- 
mals, less by actual contact than by rubbing against 
walls or banks to which the parasite, or its nits, adhere. 
This parasite is a most prolific creature. 

In pigs, the parasite is a burrower, and can live on the 
human skin. 



264 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

The general symptoms of the itch disease are as fol- 
lows : — When the parasite attaches itself to the skin, or 
burrows beneath the surface, irritation is set up, and pim- 
ples or vesicles appear. The extent of the eruption and 
the violence of the itching sensation vary according to 
tbe number of parasites present, and the thickness or 
delicacy of the skin. From the same causes, a general 
efflorescence appears in the vicinity of the papules, giv- 
ing the skin a red appearance, which is best observed 
where the integument has little coloring matter in its 
structure. 

Pustules are sometimes met with, and when thej burst, 
the contained matter concretes into thick, brownish 
scales. This is especially the case in domestic favorites, 
with tender skins, and luxurious appetites. The pus 
tules are chiefly located on the inner surface of the 
thighs, under the abdomen, in the pubic region, &c. In 
these cases, the skin is moistened with a serous exuda- 
tion, having the appearance of drops of sweat. 

The common varieties of mange — red, dry, moist — 
mark the different eruptive conditions of the skin. They 
all depend on the same cause — the itch parasite, but are 
immediately and chiefly produced by the vigorous 
scratching which the itching sensation provokes.— 
Whether the eruption be a simple efflorescence, or papu- 
lar, or vesicular, or pustular, will depend partly on the 
state of health of the animal, partly on the sensibility of 
the integument, and partly on the duration of the dis- 
ease. Hence the external features of confirmed and de- 
veloped mange vary according to circumstances ; but in 
all such cases, the hair drops off, the thickened skin — 



PARASITIC DISEASES. 265 

known to be thickened by pinching up a fold between 
the finger and the thumb — is thrown into wrinkles, es- 
pecially about the head and on the back, and disfigured 
by scabs, chaps, and fissures. On some parts, small red 
points of clotted blood will be observed. 

The itching is the most distressing symptom ; slight 
at first, when the acari are few and the irritation caused 
by their presence in the skin is bearable, but gradually 
increasing with the rapid multiplication of the parasites. 
The itchy sensation is at first confined to the spots where 
they are deposited, and are engaged in channeling the 
epiderms ; but, subsequently, the sensory nerves of the 
skin convey the sensation of universal itching, and the 
wretched animal spends his days and nights in rubbing, 
scratching, and nibbling himself 

In treatment, the object is to kill the parasites. First, 
clip off the hair or wool, and wash the whole bod3^ thor- 
oughly with soft soap and warm water ; then dry the 
skin ; and, lastly, rub in Benzine. These applications 
may have to be repeated more than once ; but one thor- 
ough application is generally sufficient, as far as the de- 
struction of the parasites is concerned, and the remaining 
eruptions usually disappear without any treatment. Sul- 
phur ointment is another good remedy ; washing being 
used as directed. The whole body should be subjected 
to these processes at the same time, because if one j)ara- 
site escapes destruction, others will soon be bred. Give 
10 drops of Carbolic Acid, three times a day. 

The bedding should be burnt. The stable furniture 
and clothing should be thoroughly cleansed with soft 
soap and hot water. 
12-^ • 



266 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

Vegetable Parasites. — The prodaction of skin dis- 
eases in animals, by low forms of vegetable life, has not 
yet received that investigation which the interest and im- 
portance of the subject demand. It is, however, beyond 
doubt that our domestic animals are sometimes attacked 
with EiNG-WORM, and that grooms attending on horses 
suffering from it have contracted the same disease. The 
eruption consists of a greater or less number of patches 
on different parts of the skin, circular in shape, partially 
or, wholly bare of hair, and dotted with vesicles. Scales 
form on the surface of these patches, and on removing 
them there is a slight moisture underneath. The hairs 
around are altered from their natural color, and dusty. 

There is a form of so-called "mange," which has been 
often observed where diseased straw has been used as 
bedding. A disease called " Camp Measles " has been 
observed in America in man, and has been ascribed to a 
fungus from diseased wheat straw. 

The treatment consists in applying to the patches Sul- 
phuTous Acid Lotion^ three times a day ; in destroying 
infecting bedding ; and in giving Arsenicum or Carholic 
Acid^ in the usual doses, three times a day. Liberal 
food should be allowed. 



2. — Erythematous Eruptions. 

The skin diseases of this class are characterized by 
slight redness of the skin, raised in patches, and irregu- 
larly circumscribed, the redness (when it can be seen) 
disappearing on pressure, and instantly returning on the 
removal of pressure. 



I 



ERYTHEMATOUS ERUPTIONS. 267 



Erythema. — This occurs from friction between folds 
of skin, such as between the thighs, in the arm-pits, &c. 
The chafing of harness, also, causes it. Discharges run- 
ning over the skin, as urine, may excite it. Hot weather, 
sweating, accumulations of dirt, favor this disease. 

Another form arises mainly from pressure, as when 
horses are slung, and when saddles and collars gall the 
skin of the back and shoulders. Hence the name Sad- 
dle-gall. When the pressure is continued, the skin in the 
middle of the injured part becomes hard and gristly, and 
in some cases is separated from the surrounding healthy 
skin by an ulcerated furrow. This is Sitfast 

Cracked Heels also belong to this class. This very 
common disease of horses often arises from not properly 
washing and drying the heels, and especially if the horse 
be afterwards left in a draughty place. It is very apt to 
come on in frosty weather, when the heels are not thor- 
oughly dried, and also when poor horses are suddenly 
put on a liberal diet. The symptoms are plain enough. 
The animal is lame and in pain. One or more of the 
heels is found painful, hot, and swollen. The skin 
cracks and fluid exudes. In bad or neglected cases, deep 
ulcerations form, and the legs swell. 

Chapped Teats in cows or ewes is likewise erythema. 

When the disease arises from friction and irritating 
discharges, the part must be thoroughly cleansed with 
tepid water and well dried, and then dusted with pow- 
dered starch, or fuller's earth. When the cause is pres- 
sure, the saddle or collar should be altered in such a way 
as to fit better, and Arnica Lotion applied frequently. In 
sitfast, the hardened skin may have to be cut out, in 
which case, the resulting wound should be dressed with 



268 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

Calendula Lction ; if not, apply Arnica Lotion. For 
cracked heels, clip the hair close to the skin, foment if 
there is pain, poultice with bran if there is pain and dis 
charge, and if there is "ulceration apply Sulphurous Add, 
night and morning. At the same time give 20 drops of 
Arsenicum, or of Sulphur, or 10 drops of Carbolic Acid, 
three times a day ; and feed on mashes, boiled oats, hay, 
and carrots. Chapped teats will readily heal after a few 
applications of Sulphurous Acid, with a camel's hair 
pencil. Heal with. Butter Ointment. 



Urticaria, or nettle-rash, known as '^ surfeit," is very 
common in horses, less so in oxen and other animals. — 
It arises from indigestion, over-fatigue, and exposure to 
wet after a long journey. It is recognized by the sud- 
den appearance of blotches, or elevations of the skin, va~ 
rying in size from a sixpenny-piece to that of one's hand, 
on different parts of the body. There is considerable 
heat of the skin, and itching. In mild cases, the general 
health is not affected, and the eruption does not continue 
long ; whereas in others, there is some amount of fever- 
ishness, and the elevations are prone to reappear at in 
tervals for some time. 

The treatment consists in giving mashes, but no corn 
for a few days, and in giving Aconite, Antirnonium Cm- 
dum, Rhus, or Arsenicum — the first medicine for feverish- 
ness ; the second, when the disease is associated with in- 
disrestion ; the third when it is the result of cold ; and 
the fourth, in obstinate or. relapsing cases. Also, give 10 
drops of Carbolic Acid, and bathe with German Wash. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen, every three or six hours. 



PAPULAR ERUPTIONS. 269 

3.— Papular Eruptions. 

Lichen. — Pimply eruptions are very common in 
horses. On stroking the skin with the point of the fin- 
gers, especially over the neck, shonlders. and hind quar- 
ters, a lot of hard, gritty bodies are felt. On scratching 
one of these pimples with the nail, we find that the top 
of it peels ofi* as scurf These pimples are as large as a 
hemp seed ; generally break out in spring; are of long- 
duration and most difficult to cure. There is usually 
some itching and rubbing. Irritation and disorder of 
the stomach, drinking cold water whilst the body is 
heated, and sudden exposure to damp and cold, are the 
chief causes. 

In treatment, Nux Vomica or Antimonium Crudum are 
required, when there are symptoms of indigestion. 

Belladonna is required in those cases of papular erup- 
tions which are attended with heat of skin, some fever- 
ishness, and great itching. Arsenicum proves of great 
service in all papular eruptions. Sidphur is a valuable 
remedy, and also. Carbolic Acid, in 10 drop doses. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for sheep — every four 
or six hours. 

If there be reason to believe that parasites are the 
cause of the eruption and itching, dress with Sidphur 
Ointment^ or Sulphurous Acid Lotion^ night and morning. 

Attention must be paid to diet and exercise. 



Prurigo. — This disease is signalized by small pim- 
ples, heat of skiH, and particularly by excessive itching. 
The liorse rubs his neck, root of the tail, mane, against 



270 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

the wall, edge of the manger, or anything else, until the 
skin is red, raw, and covered with small clots of blood. 
In some cases, the itching is intolerably severe, and the 
animal bites and rubs himself furiously. The legs are 
often mainl)^ affected, and then he rubs one against the 
other, stamps impatiently, tries to nibble them, &c. — 
Many of these cases depend upon a plethoric conditionj 
of the system, the result of over feeding, and want of 
exercise. Others are connected with the presence of par- 
asites, and others are dependent on an excitation of the] 
nerves distributed to the skin. In this latter case, there! 
may be no primary eruption whatever, and those that] 
arise secondarily are wholly due to rubbing and biting. 
For treatment refer above to " Lichen." 



4. — Pustular Eruptions. 

Impetigo. — The chief variety of this class of skin dis-l 
ease occurs in horses, and is called ^' Grease." It consists] 
of inflammation of the skin at the back surface of the] 
fetlock and heels, followed by the formation of pustules, 
on the bursting of which there is a copious mattery dis- 1 
charge. 

This is an inherited disease — often ^' runs in the fam- 
ily." Coarse bred horses and those with much hair onl 
their legs are more subject to it than well bred horses, 
the difference being probably due to better grooming and 
attention in the one than in the other. Exposure to 
damp and cold, and dirt, are the exciting causes. One 
form of grease depends on a specific contagious fluid. 

A swelling appears in one or more legs, the hind mor( 



PUSTULAR ERUPTIONS. 271 

frequently than the fore ; this swelling may extend as 
high as the knees, or hocks. The skin is hot, red, and 
painful, and the animal is more or less stiff and lame in 
his movements. In a short time, clusters of small vesi- 
cles arise on the skin, at the heels, containing a clear 
fluid, which, if it be specific, has the property, when 
inoculated on oxen and human beings, of exciting an 
eruption like that of vaccine matter. If the fluid be not 
specific, it has no such property. The vesicles subse- 
quently become pustules, which 'Contain matter. When 
these break, there is a more or less copious discharge of 
an offensive character. This discharge mats the hairs 
together, and dries into scabs. Still later, the skin 
cracks into deep fissures, from which a mattery discharge 
issues. The leg above the heel is much swollen and 
.painful, and the cracks may extend upwards. The dis- 
eased surface, in the most advanced stage, becomes cov- 
ered with large, unhealthy granulations, or " proud 
flesh," which, from their appearance, are known as 
"grapes." In the worst cases, what with the grapy con- 
dition of the leg, its considerable increase in size from 
swelling, the copious and offensive discharge, and the 
lameness present, the animalis in a sorry plight, and 
not pleasant to look at. In some cases, " canker " of the 
foot is present, as a consequence or complication, and in 
others of confirmed grease the parasites of the itch dis- 
ease abound. 

In the treatment of this disease, it is most important 
to keep the part perfectly clean by washing night and 
morning with luke-warm water and glycerine or petro- 
leum soap, afterwards drying thoroughly with a soft 
cloth. If tllcre be much ollcnsivc discharge and scabs, 



272 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

poultice with boiled carrots or turnips once or twice 
until the surface is clean. Mashes, carrots, and green 
food are useful as a change in the diet, and too much 
corn should be cut off. Arsenicum^ 20 drops, three times 
a day, will, aided by the above measures, often arrest 
the disease in its early stage, or prevent it from going on 
to the ulcerated and grapj^ condition. Sulphurous Acid 
Lotion should be used thrice daily as soon as the skin 
cracks, and especiallj^ if you suspect the presence of the 
itch parasite. In some cases, I have used Arsenical 
Lotion with good effects. The following case shows good 
results from another remedy : 

On April 2, 1860, I visited a pony belonging to Lady Frankland 
Russell, of Chequer's Court, Aylesbury. The pony, when bought 
two years and a half ago, had a slight running from the left hind 
hec-l. This has been gradually getting worse, in spite of the treat- 
ment of several veterinary surgeons, who have in vain applied the 
routine remedies. The disease is now above the fetlock joint, and 
involves the skin all around that part of the leg ; the hairs stand 
up like the bristles of a hedgehog ; an ichorous, offensive matter 
exudes freely : the pony is dead lame j the leg is much swollen. 

Treatment. — The hair is to be cut short ; the part affected to be 
poulticed for a day or two, and then the following liniment to be 
applied vrith a soft brush, night and morning — viz. : Kali Chlori- 
CLtm 1-2 oz., glycerine 12 oz. To have internally, Kali Chloricum^ 20 
drops night and morning. This treatment was pursued for a few 
weeks, when the leg was quite cured, the pony working all the 
time on dirty roads. 

When 1 write, eighteen months after the above date, the disease 
had not returned; and no one can tell which leg was affected.* 

Warts. — One of the best local applications is strong 
tincture of Thuja^ put on with a camel's hair pencil night 



II 



* Quoted from ''Practical Reply," etc. 



PUSTULAR ERUPTIONS. 273 

and morning, and steadily persevered with. The best 
internal remedies are Thuja and Calcarea Carhonica — 20 
drops for horses and oxen, night and morning ; and 
Carbolic Acid^ 10 drops. 

Mallenders is the common name for a scurfy or 
scaly disease (psoriasis) situate on the skin at the back 
part of the bend of the knee. Sallenders is the same 
at the front of the bend of the hock. Both attack 
horses only. 

In treatment, after softening the scales with warm 
water and soap, apply Thuja night and morning, and 
give Arsenicum or Thuja^ in 20 drop doses, at the same 
times. German Wash is an excellent external applica- 
tion. It is made as follows : — One quart of good strong 
cider vinegar^ two ounces pulverized Blue vitriol^ three 
ounces Alum^ three tablespoonfuls pulverized Loafsugar^ 
six tablespoonfuls Honey ^ simmered together in earthen 
or pewter. 



CHAPTER XV. 
ERUPTIVE FEVERS, 



These diseases are attended with general fever, and a 
special eraption of the skin. They comprise, in the 
lower animals, erysipelas, measles, scarlatina, cow-pox, 
and small-pox. 



i. — Erysipelas. 
IN ALL ANI MEALS. 

Erysipelas occurs in all animals, but most frequently 
in sheep. In horses, it sometimes supervenes upon 
cracked heels. In sheep, it has been known to follow an 
injury of the skin inflicted during shearing. 

The animal is more or less feverish — the pulse being 
quickened, the appetite impaired, the secretions checked, 
the mouth hot and dry, etc. 

The skin is covered with a diffused redness, and is hot 
to the touch. The areolar tissue under the skin is like 
wise involved, giving rise to a swollen condition of the 
inflamed part. On the decline of the inflammation the 
skin peels off in thin scales. 



MEASLES. 275 

Treatment. 

Belladonna and Rhus^ given in alternation, are ttie best 
remedies, and in the majority of cases render tiie use of 
other medicines unnecessary. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and cows; 10 for sheep and pigs; 
every four hours. 



2. — Measles. 
. IN PIG ATTD SHEEP. 

By measles in pigs is meant, not the parasite disease, 
in which undeveloped tape-worms exist in the muscles, 
and give rise to what is known as " measly pork," but a 
fever, attended with catarrhal symptoms, and a rash on 
the skin. The animal coughs and vomits ; the eyes are 
red and there is a copious flow of tears ; and a watery 
discharge runs from the nose. The pulse is quickened ; 
the skin hot and dry, and the appetite impaired. Then 
an eruption appears on different parts of the body, espe- 
cially on the inner surface of the legs, about the arm- 
pits, etc., consisting of a multitude of small, red pimples. 
When the eruption fades, the inflamed skin peels off in 
small, branny scales. Diarrhoea, or bronchitis are apt 
to arise as complications. 

A similar disease has been described b}^ some conti- 
nental veterinarians as occurring in sheep. 

Treatment. 

Aconite is required for quick pulse, hot, dry skin, 
thu\st, restlessness, etc. 

Pulsatilla should be given as soon as the rash appears, 



276 EKUPTIVE FEVERS. 

and when there is a hoarse cough, and running from 
the nose and eyes. 

Arsenicum is required in those cases which manifest 
a tendency for the skin to slough in patches, and when 
diarrhoea, or prostration sets in. 

If there are symptoms of bronchitis, treat as directed 
at page 165. 

Doses. — 10 drops for sheep and pigs, every three hours. 



3. — Scarlatina. 

Horses sometimes present symptoms analogous to 
those of human scarlet fever. They become feverish, the 
pulse being 60, or higher, and the breathing 20, or 
upwards. The throat is sore, also some difficulty and 
pain in swallowing ; the throat symptoms vary in 
severity in different cases. The glands about the throat 
are more or less painful, hot, and swollen, and there ia 
a troublesome throat cough. If the nose be examined, 
we shall discover on the nasal membrane a number of 
scarlet spots of different sizes, which gradually run 
together and form red patches ; a similar eruption is also 
found on the mucous membrane of the lips, and on the 
skin, wherever white hair enables one to see it. There 
is sloughing in the nose at the site of the spots, as is the 
case with the purple petechige of purpura hoemorrhagica. 
When the disease is on the decline, there is a copious 
shedding of scurfy scales. Blotches and elevations of 
the skin have been described by some w^riters, but they 
do not occur in genuine cases of scarlatina. After the 
disease has continued some days, and the horse appears 
to be doing well, a swelling, which pits on pressure. 



VARIOLA. 277 

suddenly appears under the belly, gradually extending 
forwards to the breast and backwards to the prepuce, 
and also filling one or more legs. Recovery is the usual 
termination, unless ^' heroic " treatment is applied, or the 
disease attacks a worn-out animal. 

Treatment. 

In mild cases of the disease nothing more is required 
than to turn the horse into a loose box, feed him on 
mashes for a few days, and give 20 drops of Belladonna^ 
every four hours. If the cough is troublesome, the 
throat sore and painful, and swollen, give the Belladonna 
alternately with the same dose of Mercurius^ every two 
or three hours. When the fever runs high at the onset 
of the disease, it may be necessary to give Aconite^ alone 
or alternately, with Belladonna. When swellings appear 
in the legs, and under the belly, and the urine is scanty, 
give Arsenicum^ 20 drops, four times a day. 



4. — Variola. 
IN ALL ANIMALS. 

Variola is equivalent to small-pox in man. Horses, 
oxen, sheep, and pigs are subject to variolous diseases. 
Horses are affected in the lips, but especially in the heels, 
the attack in the latter region being undistinguishable 
in external features from common grease. If, however, 
the matter in the vesicle be inoculated on a cow's udder 
it will give rise to cow-pox, and if on a child's arm the 
well-known eruption, like that of vaccination. 

In cows, the eruption appears on the udder, first as 
red, circumscribed, hard pimples, which gradually in- 



278 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

crease in size, until they become vesicles, filled with a 
clear fluid, and surrounded hy a red ring. Later, the 
vesicles contain matter ; they break, and the matter 
dries into scabs, which fall off. Some amount of fever 
is present. It is from these vesicles that vaccine lymph 
for vaccination is obtained. 

In sheep, the disease is highly contagious, infectious and 
destructive to a flock. After a few days of incubation, dur- 
ing which the animal is dull and off its feed, small, red pim- 
ples appear, which grow larger and flat, and at first con- 
tain a clear fluid, subsequently matter. Then the pustule 
breaks, and the escaped fluid dries into a scab, grey or 
brown in color, which presently drops off. The attend- 
ant fever runs high. Discharge from the nose and eyes, 
hurried breathing, lividity of the membranes of the 
mouth and nose, and offensive smell of the skin, are fre- 
quently observed in ordinary cases. In malignant 
cases the vesicles contain bloody serum, and gas is 
developed under the skin ; or death takes place suddenly 
before any rash appears ; or the air, or food tube is seri- 
ously implicated from the eruption appearing in one or 
other of them. The average duration is about three 
weeks. Sloughing of the skin in patches, or of the feet 
or hoofs, is a not unfrequent consequence. 



Treatment. 



The horse and cow-pox are so mild as to require no 
special treatment. When sheep-pox breaks out in a 
flock the diseased should be separated from the healthy, 
and the latter inoculated. They will then have the dis- 
ease in a milder, more manageable, and less fatal form 
than if they had become affected by contagion, or infec- 



I 



VARIOLA. 279 

tion in the ordinary way. If it be resolved to place the 
diseased sheep under treatment, they should be carefnlly 
isolated during the illness, and for some time afterwards, 
great attention should be paid to ventilation and clean- 
liness, and only soft food and plenty of water should be 
given. 

Aconite should be given when there is feverishness. 

Antimonium Tartaricum is indicated throughout the 
whole course of the disease, not only for the eruption, but 
for the lung symptoms so frequently present. 

Arsenicum is useful for symptoms of prostration, for 
purging, and for tendency to sloughing. 

Doses. — 10 drops for sheep, every two hours. 



CHAPTER XYI 
CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 



The diseases of this class depend upon the development 
of a poisonous animal principle within the body of sev- 
eral of our domestic animals, and are characterized by 
the existence of a fever of a low or malignant type, and, 
in some forms, by a local lesion of the nature of car- 
buncle. 

They all arise from rankness or povertj^ of pasturage, 
exposure to damp or cold, and from unascertained local 
causes. They attack herb-eating animals, and are com- 
municated to others by contagion or inoculation, and 
have often prevailed as epizootics on the continent of 
Europe. They are most severe in full-blooded animals, 
and frequently follow a change from poor to rich diet. 

True carbuncular diseases of animals are communica- 
ble to man by contact with diseased hide, horn, bones, 
blood, and flesh, and by flies and other insects carry= 
ing the poisonous matter from an infected animal's car- 
cass to man. The disease is known in human medicine 
as " Malignant Pustule." The use of diseased flesh and 
milk as food does not appear to injure man, but the evi- 
dence on this point is rather conflicting. 



CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 281 

The following are the most common forms : 

1. GrLOSS-ANTHRAX, which the reader will find de- 
scribed at page 44, as it occurs in oxen, sheep and pigs. 

2. Splenic Apoplexy, which is described at page 
112. Whilst some authorities regard this as a veritable 
carbuncular fever without external local lesions, others 
look upon it as non-specific congestion of the spleen. 

3. Braxy in Sheep. — This is a very common and fatal 
disease amongst sheep, especially in mountainous districts, 
and in others, when the food is changed to turnips, etc., 
in winter. Amongst shepherds the term ^' braxy " is as 
nondescript as that of ^'the epidemic," "the distemper." 
Some mean by it an attack of diarrhoea, or of inflamma- 
tion of the bowels, without any specific poison in the 
case. Properly speaking, it should be understood as 
designating a blood-disease, which suddenly attacks one 
or more sheep, particularly in frosty weather, and proves 
fatal in a few hours. The most usual symptoms are, in 
the early stage, staggering gait, tumbling forwards or 
backwards, hard, dry dung, and scanty, dark urine, with 
difficulty in passing both. The eyes are found to be 
red, the mouth hot and dry, the pulse quick and bound- 
ing, the breathing labored and panting, and the skin hot. 
Then the animal becomes weak, and drops down or rolls 
on its back, and soon dies. In some cases, before death, 
gas is generated under the skin, and a crackling noise is 
heard when the hand is passed over the back ; in others, 
the paunch is distended with food and gas, giving rise to 
a swelling on the left side. After death, rapid decom- 
position sets in. 

In treatment, very little can be done, except in the 
very earliest part of the attack. It has been recom- 
13 



282 CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 

mended to cause the animal to move about briskly. 
It should be put into a warm place, and have hot gruel 
drenched down in small quantities. Warm water injec- 
tions are useful when there appears to be irritation or 
pain in the belly, and the faeces are hard. When the 
paunch is much distended with gas, perforating it with 
the trocar may be necessary. In such cases give 
Nux Vomica and Ammonium Causticum in 20 drop 
doses, every hour, until there is improvement, and then 
every two or three hours. When symptoms of prostra- 
tion appear, give Arsenicum^ or JRhuSj in the same way. 
Should recovery take place, great care as to the diet 
must be taken for some days. For the prevention of the 
disease, sheep should have the means of shelter on the 
hills, and should not be suddenly put on a rich pasture- 
age. 

4. Black Quarter. — This form is likewise called 
inflammatory fever^ quarter-evil^ joint-murrain^ black-leg. 
It affects both oxen and sheep, and is widely spread in 
this and other countries. The young are more subject 
to it than the old. 

When the disease is fully developed, there are symp- 
toms of high febrile excitement, such as quick, full 
pulse, hurried breathing, outstretched head, bloodshot 
eyes, hot mouth, loss of appetite, moaning, anxious 
countenance, etc. The animal is lame on a fore or hind 
leg. There is, on some part of the body — on the quar-Ij 
ters or about the joints — a painful swelling, which"' 
causes the animal to be dead lame, or very loth to move. 
The back and loins are exquisitely tender to the touch. 
Swellings appear about the back, shoulders, and loins,! J 
crackling when pressed upon, due to decomposition of" ' 



ji 



CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 283 

the tissues and the generation of gas. The skin in 
patches becomes hard and dry, and subsequently 
sloughs off, leaving an ugly, unhealthy sore, which dis- 
charges offensive matter. At the same tirrre, the mouth 
and tongue become ulcerated, and a stinking, bloody 
fluid drops from the nose and mouth. Diarrhoea sets in, 
and the animal dies from exhaustion. 

This disease may be prevented by placing young stock 
in sheltered, comfortable quarters, carefully avoiding 
over-crowding, imperfect ventilation, and accumulations 
of excrement. Linseed cake, good hay, turnips, and 
salted water should be the diet. 

The medical treatment has little chance of succeeding, 
chiefly in consequence of the virulence and great rapid- 
ity of the malady. Bleeding, and all varieties of severe 
measures, are worse than useless. 

In my opinion, the following are the best remedies : 
Ammonium Causticum when the breathing is quick and 
heaving ; the nostrils expanded ; the muzzle dry, etc. 

Aconite may prove useful when the pulse is full and 
bounding, and when symptoms of feverishness, as above 
detailed, are present. 

Belladonna and Rhus^ in alternation, as soon as the 
local swellings appear. 

Mercurius and Belladonna^ in alternation, when the 
mouth and tongue are severely ulcerated, and there is a 
copious discharge of saliva, or of bloody fluid. 

Arsenicum is required for symptoms of prostration, 
and for diarrhoea. 

The principal swelling should be fomented, and the 
sores which remain after the sloughs have fallen off, 
dressed with Sulphurous Acid three or four times a day. 



284 CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 

The same may be applied to the mouth and tongue, when 
ulcerated. 

I use with good success Ammonium Causticum in 20 
drop doses, atternately with Carbolic Acid^ 10 drop doses, 
once in half hour, or hour, according to the urgency of 
the case. 

Doses. — 20 drops for oxen, 10 for sheep. Repeat each dose 
every one or two hours, according to the violence of the symp- 
toms. 

5. — Carbuncular Diseases in Pig. — One form is 
analogous to the gloss anthrax of cattle and sheep. The 
reader will find a description of it at page 44. The 
second form is described at page 59. The third form, 
believed to belong to the anthrax family, is commonly 
known as the ^' blue disease," "distemper in pigs,' " hog 
cholera," etc. It begins with dullness, loss of appetite, 
holding the head low ; then the animal lies on its belly, 
and evidently suffers from pain there. Eetching or 
vomiting of food, bile, or mucus is a common symptom. 
In some cases we observe drowsiness ; in others delirium. 
The skin, especially about the back, belly, inside of the 
legs, is of a blue, or purplish color. Symptoms of 
paralysis of the hind legs appear ; the surface becomes 
cold ; and death may take place in a few hours. 

In this disease, give Belladonna when the animal is 
excited, in pain from colic, and when the rash comes 
out. Rhus is also good when the rash appears and 
there are symptoms of prostration. Arsenicum for 
diarrhoea and exhaustion. For the paralysis, Rhus or 
Belladoima. 

Doses. — 10 drops every one or two hours, according to the vio- 
lence of the symptoms. 



CARBUNCULAR DISEASES. 285 

The means of preventing these forms of disease 
amongst pigs comprise thorough cleanliness^ removal of 
filth, clean bedding, sluicing the body with cold water, 
allowing exercise, and admitting fresh air. Sound food 
of both vegetable and animal nature should alone be 
given. When the disease breaks out in a lot, the ani- 
mals should not be congregated together. 



CHAPTEE XYII. 
WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 



1. — Incised Wounds. 

Incised wounds are produced by cutting instruments, 
sucTi as knives, scythes, etc. 

In treating a wound, the first thing to do is to stop 
bleeding. This may be done by exposing the wound to 
the atmosphere, by pressure with the finger, or a com- 
press of lint bound down by a bandage, by the applica- 
tion of cold water, etc. These means will always suc- 
ceed, unless the hoemorrhage proceed from a wounded 
artery of considerable size. In such a case as this, firm 
and constant pressure is the immediate, and a ligature 
the radical remedy. 

The second thing to do is, to remove all foreign 
bodies from the wound, such as clots of blood, dirt, 
splinters, thorns, by means of the fingers, or forceps, or 
affusion with water. No wound will heal whilst these 
substances remain in it. 

In the third place, the sides of the wound should be 
brought together and kept there. The hair should be 
closely clipped away from the skin near the edges of the 



INCISED WOUNDS. 287 

•wound. Then, whilst the sides of the woand are held 
together, a thick layer of Collodion should be applied by 
means of a camel's hair pencil. This substance forms a 
thick film, under which the wound heals. But when 
the wound is larger or deeper, Collodion is not suffi- 
cient, and stitches may be necessary. Pass a strong 
needle, armed with silk or hempen thread, previously 
well waxed, through one side of the wound, from with- 
out inwards, then through the opposite point of the 
other side from within outwards. The thread is then to 
be tied, without unduly straining the parts, and the ends 
clipped closely ofi! Other stitches are to be put in in 
the same manner, at about the distance of half an inch, 
until the whole extent of the wound is accurately sewn 
up. A piece of lint, saturated with Arnica Lotion^ and 
constantly kept moist, may then be placed over the 
wound and kept there by a bandage. In flesh wounds, 
with tearing and loss of substance, as well as a pure cut, 
apply Calendula Lotion. The stitches should be removed 
as soon as the sides of the wound are firmly adherent, 
and also when the wound becomes inflamed. In this 
latter event, poultices may have to be applied for a day 
or two, but usually Calendula Lotion and Aconite inter- 
nally, in the usual doses for diff^erent animals, every 
three hours, will supersede the necessity for poulticing. 
Use also German wash or Butter Salve. 



2. — Broken Knees. 

Injuries to the knees consequent upon the horse fall- 
ing upon this part, vary in extent and severity. For the 



288 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

purpose of illustration, they may be grouped into three 
classes : 

1. Those which consist of simple bruises, without per- 
foration of the skin. The knee is hot, painful, and 
swollen ; some hair is removed and the skin somewhat 
grazed. 2. Those in which the skin is cut through, torn, 
and jagged, and the tissues underneath more or less 
injured. 3. Those in which the knee is cut, bruised, 
lacerated, and pulpified, and the knee-joint open into as 
well. This last accident is known by the escape of clear 
fluid, like white of egg. The injury is often so severe 
as to cause death, or to necessitate the destruction of the 
animal. 

Treatment. 

The treatment consists in the first class of cases, in 
washing the knee to remove dirt, and in frequently 
applying Arnica Lotion, In the second class, wash to 
remove dirt and blood, adjust the cut and torn skin as 
accurately as possible, and apply the same lotion. Give 
internally 20 drops of Arnica three times a day, and 
Aconite in the same way, if there be any feverishness. 
In severe injuries some inflammation will generally 
arise in the injured knee ; the tissues ground down to a 
pulp by the force of the fall will slough off*, and the 
wound will heal from the bottom, leaving, necessarily, a 
permanent blemish of greater or less extent. Here, hot 
fomentations and linseed poultices, medicated with 
Calendula Lotion^ are required. When the inflammation 
in the wound is ftiirly gone, nothing more is required 
but this last lotion. When the knee-joint is open, treat 
as directed below. 



Iroul View of the Bonc^i of ilic Knee, 




1 SCAPHOID 
2LUNAR . 
3 CUNEIFORM.! 



TRAPtZGlD. 

5 MAGNUM. 



rhc tr p ziiini, or "bone at the back of 1x3 knee, 
i.-; 11 t shown in t::ii .Ira -.via ;^'. 



OPEN JOINTS. 289 

3. — Open Joint. 

This serious accident most frequently befalls the knee, 
hock, stifle, and pastern joints, and is caused by falls, 
kicks, stabs with a nail, or other penetrating body, etc. 

It is characterized by a flow of synovia (joint-oil) 
through the wound. This fluid in appearance and feel is 
not unlike white of egg. Severe pain, and more or less 
irritative fever, varying with the size of the wound, and 
the importance of the joint injured, supervene. If, as 
sometimes happens, the interior of the joint becomes 
severely inflamed, the horse may die, or he may have to 
be destroyed ; or tetanus may ensue. 

Treatment. 

In treatment, the first bar to recovery lies in the 
impossibility of keeping a horse quiet, and therefore, in 
keeping the joint perfectly motionless — rest being, in 
such cases, of incalculable aid ; and the second lies in 
the condition of the wound itself, which cannot close 
and heal up, so long as a fluid is constantly running 
through its sides. When the wound is a large one, or 
when it implicates a large joint, such as the stifle, the 
horse must be slung. If there is much pain and fever- 
ishness, give 20 drops of Aconite^ every three hours ; if 
not, Arnica in the same way. When the flow of joint- 
oil is considerable, give Sllicea in the same doses. 
According to my experience, the best local application, 
one that is absolutely indispensable, is fresh slaked lime^ 
very finely powdered. Lift some of it on the handle-end 
of a spoon, and apply it directly to the wound at the 
point where the fluid is escaping, and press it on with 
13^ 



290 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

slight force. One attendant must wait on the horse dur- 
ing the day, another during the night, and whenever any 
oozing is seen, a fresh application of the powder must be 
made at the point of issue. The lime and the oil form 
a thick, hard, adhesive crust, which, in course of time, 
if assiduously added to, stops the running, and allows 
the wound to close. None of this crust should be 
removed until the discharge is completely arrested, but 
the fresh applications must be made on the top of the 
old. From a considerable experience of this treatment, 
I can strongly recommend it. Even very bad cases 
should not be given up. The great point is, the repeated 
applications night and day whenever the oil makes its 
appearance. Silicea should be continued from first to 
last ; but alone it can do but little. 

In opened knee-joint, it is possible to keep the leg in 
comparative rest, by fixing on a gutta percha splint, 
four inches broad and twelve long. Dip it in hot water 
to soften it ; then fit it to the inequalities of the back of 
the leg, and secure it by a bandage encircling the leg above 
and below the knee. Use German wash and butter 
salve, first one at night and the other in the morning. 



4.— Poll Evil, 

This disease, as the name implies, is situated at the 
juncture of the neck with the skull, which are connected 
together by a strong elastic ligament, commonly called 
the pack-wax. Poll-evil is at first merely a bruise, 
inflicted by the horse striking the top of his head against 
a door- way, or the top of a low-roofed stable ; often, it is 



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POLL EVIL. 291 

to be feared, tlie result of a brutal driver hitting that 
part with a stick, or the butt-end of a whip. 

The seat of injury is very tender, hot, and swollen ; 
the slightest touch causes the horse to flinch, and he is 
very reluctant to move it, and may be seen hanging his 
head, resting on the manger. If the case be neglected, 
the appetite fails, there is evidently greater pain, and the 
tissues under and about the pack-wax become inflamed. 
Matter soon forms, and, as there is no easy vent for it 
through such resisting structures to the skin, it burrows 
deeply and widely in all directions amongst the liga- 
ments, and may even set up disease in the bones them- 
selves. It may, eventually, if let alone, come to the 
surface and the abscess burst, to the animal's great 
relief. 

Treatment. 

The horse should rest, or, if this is impracticable, the 
head'CoUar should be eased in its bearings on the poll, 
and the driver should take care not to jerk the head 
about. Night and morning, the part should be thorough- 
ly fomented with hot water. If these means should fail, 
it may be assumed that the formation of matter cannot 
be prevented, and the next step is to make a free inci- 
sion into the abscess, so as to allow the matter to escape 
easily, and to make an independent opening at the low- 
est part. If the matter has already burrowed, the chan- 
nels which it has made are called Fistula, or, in farriers' 
language, pipes. These also must be laid open with the 
knife. Then place dossils of lint in the lips of the 
wounds thus made, so that they may not close too soon. 
When matter is formed, and when it is discharging 



292 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

freely, give 20 drops of Hepar Sulphuris^ four times a day ; 
and, in chronic cases, when it is desirable to quicken the 
healing process, give Silicea in the same way. 

One quart of good, strong Cider Vinegar^ two ounces 
pulverized Blue Vitriol^ three ounces Alum^ three table- 
spoonfuls pulverized Loaf Sugar ^ six tablepoonfuls Honey ^ 
simmered together in earthen or pewter, and applied 
with a syringe into the pipes or fistules of the Poll Evil^ 
two or three times a day, is warranted to cure. Diseased 
bone should be scraped. 

When the bones are diseased, the cure is always 
tedious. 



5.— Fistulous Withers. 

Beginning with a bruise from the pressure of an ill- 
fiting tsaddle, and ending in abscess and fistula, this 
injury presents exactly the same general symptoms as 
Poll Evil, runs the same course, and requires precisely 
the same treatment. 



6.— Bony Enlargements. 

Nodes. — A kick, or other blow, on the shank bone of 
a hind or a fore leg, gives rise to severe pain, heat, and 
swelling. The membrane (periosteum) covering the bone 
inflames and thickens, and a deposit of osseous matter 
takes place. Constitutional causes, apart from any 
injury, may likewise induce such swellings. 

Bone-Spayin. — This is a small, hard swelling caused 
by bony deposit, situated at the lower part of the hock, 
at the inner side. Usually, in the earlier stage at least, 



I 



BONY ENLAKGEMENTS. 293 

there is more or less occasional lameness, as well as ten- 
derness to the touch, heat, and swelling. At a later 
period, it involves the hinge-like joint of the hock, and 
interferes with its free movement. In some chronic 
cases, the lameness attending spavin disappears during 
exercise, from a special part of the articulation being 
affected, whilst free movement remains between the 
tibia and astragalus. A peculiar make of hock, and 
hereditary predisposition favor the development of 
spavin ; whilst it is caused in other animals without any 
such liability, by overwork and excessive strain upon the 
joint, especially in early life. 

Except in very confirmed cases, it is possible to 
remove spavin and its accompanying lameness without 
resorting to painful or disfiguring measures, by remedies 
mentioned below, which I have often tried and found 
successful. 

Splint. — The bony tumor thus named is between the 
shank bone and the splint bone, which is situated along- 
side the shank bone, between the knee and fetlock, and 
it usually appears on the inside of a fore leg. Some- 
times there is a splint on the outside. According to its 
position, size, and extent, it may, or may not cause 
lameness. If it be situated near the knee-joint, or inter- 
fere with the free movement of a sinew, it causes lame- 
ness. It then, and only then, constitutes legal unsound- 
ness. 

SiDE-BoNE. — This consists of a deposit of bony matter 
into the side cartilages, at the back part and outside or 
inside of the coronet, just above the hoof It is usually 
confined to the fore legs. 

KiNG-BoNE. — This is a bony enlargement on the pas- 



'29-i WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

tern bone, immediately above the coronet, extending in 
some cases so much as to produce anchylosis of the pas- 
tern, or coffin joints — a condition in which the opposed 
surfaces of the articulation are surrounded and immovea- 
bly locked together by bony deposit. King-bone is most 
frequent on the hind legs, and there is usually " side- 
bone " as well. Ring-bone and side-bone, no matter how 
small, and whether they cause lameness. or not, constitute 
unsoundness in the law's eye. 

Treatment. 

The treatment of all bony enlargements is the same. 
The frequent application of Arnica Lotion^ and the inter- 
nal administration of 20 drops of Arnica three times a 
day, is the proper treatment for such swellings, soon 
after the infliction of the injury. When the swelling is 
hard to the touch and bony in nature, give 20 drops of 
Mercurius Corrosivus^ three times a day, and rub in, night 
and morning, Mercurius Corrosivus Lotion until the skin 
becomes tender and scurfy ; then desist for two or three 
days, and repeat as before — continuing in this manner 
until the enlargement disappears. 

Refer to the appendix for recipes for the cure of Ring- 
bone and Spavin. 

The following cases, reprinted from " Practical Reply 
to Sir B. Brodie's Letter," illustrate two of the diseases 
described above : 

Case L — Spavin. 

February 12th, 1861. — A horse belonging to Col. Dudley de 
Ros, is said to be lame in the fetlock joint. On examination I find 
lameness of right hind leg ; slight enlargement at the spavin place 
of hock, with heat and pain on pressure. I ordered this part to be 



BUKSAL ENLARGEMENTS. 295 

rubbed, night and morning, with the Merc. Cor. Lotion.^ and 20 
drops of the sixth dilution of Merc. Cor. to be given night and morn- 
ing. In a month he was sound, and went to work. 

Case II. — Incipient Ring-bone. 

On July 14th, 1860, I visited, by the recommendation of Lady 
F. Russell, a carriage-mare belonging to Col. Ashley. She has been 
examined by Messrs. Mavor, who pronounce the lameness to arise 
from disease of the knee-joint, and recommend the mare to be sent 
to the farm, and have repeated blisters applied to the knee. I 
found that the lameness was clearly due to incipient ring-bone, and 
the result of the treatment confirmed this diagnosis. 

Si/mptoms. — Lame on the right fore leg ; slight enlargement 
round pastern joint, with heat and pain on pressure. 

Treatment. — A lotion of Merc. Cor. was applied night and morn- 
ing, and Merc. Cor,., sixth dilution, 20 drops, given twice daily ; 
she was sound in a fortnight. Twelve months after I had a letter 
from Lady Frankland Russell, saying the mare remained quite 
sound. 



7. — Bursal Enlargements. 

A bursa is a small bag containing a fluid, and the use 
of it is to prevent friction where a tendon runs upon a 
bone. When a horse is overworked, too early worked, 
0r the tendon is sprained, or the bursa itself directly in- 
jured by a blow, or kick, slight inflammation arises, the 
part becomes hot and tender, and a swelling, sometimes 
small, sometimes large, arises in consequence of increased 
secretion of mucus into the sac. There are several spe- 
cial varieties, including the following : — 

Thorough-Pin, which is situated on both sides of the 
hock, in the form of a round swelling, often of consider- 
able size, but seldom causing lameness. 

Wind-Galls, which are found above and at the sides 



296 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

of the fetlock joint. Except when large or hard, they 
do not cause stiff' action or lameness, but they are un- 
sightly and ought to be attended to. 

Bog-Spavin is a bursal swelling, situated inside the 
bend of the hock, often of considerable size. This 
swelling, if large, obstructs the flow^ of blood from a vein 
which passes over the bursa — the vein is distended w^ith 
blo(;d- — and the sw^elling thus caused is named Blood- 
Spavin. 

Treatment. 

The treatment of all the foregoing injuries is substan- 
tially the same. At first, rub the part thoroughly, three 
times a day, wath Arnica Lotion^ and give 20 drops of 
Arnica^ thrice daily. At a later period, when there is 
more or less copious eff'usion, use Rhus Lotion^ and Ehiis^ 
in the same way. Should this fail, which it rarely does, 
or if the swelling be tense or callous, use Mercurius Cor- 
rosivus Lotion^ and Merc. Cor. inw^ardly, as directed for 
'' nodes," page 888. 

8. — Capped Hocks, etc. 

Capped Hocks is a swelling on the point of the hock, 
best seen when looked at sideways, caused generally by 
the horse kicking in harness, or in the stable, or by any 
other mode of injury. It may be a true bursal enlarge- 
ment ; in which case the swelling is at the sides of the 
point of the hock ; most frequently it consists of effusion 
of a serous fluid under the skin, with thickening of the 
skin itself The swelling often becomes hard and diffi- 
cult to remove. 

Capped Elbow. — This enlargement is of the same 



SPKAINS. 297 

nature as capped hock, and is caused by the heel of the 
shoe injuring the point of the elbow when the horse lies 
down. Sometimes it ends in Abscess. 

In treatment, rub in Arnica Lotion, three times a day, 
and give Arnica, 20 drops thrice daily. For subsequent 
hardening, use Mercurius Corrosivus Lotion, and Merc, 
Cor, thrice a day ; also, German Wash or Butter Salve. 



9. — Sprains. 

A sprain may be defined to be an injury of the liga- 
ments and adjacent structures of a joint, or of a single 
tendon, the result of over-extension. A sprain may 
vary in severity and consequences, from a slight strain 
upon these structures, requiring little or no treatment, up 
to a fatal or irremedial lesion. Local pain and swelling, 
with lameness or inability to move, and perhaps some 
degree of feverish excitement, are the chief general symp- 
toms. The following are the principal individual acci- 
dents of this kind : — 

Sprain of the Neck. — This occurs when a horse 
falls upon his head, as in hunting. There may be dis- 
placement of bones with twisting of the head and neck ; 
or concussion or laceration of the spinal cord, attended 
or followed by hopeless paralysis ; or simple sprain of 
the tendinous and ligamentous structures. 

Sprain of the Back occurs when a horse slips in 
the^field, or on ice, and attempts to recover himself; or 
when the hind feet slip backwards, as in jumping. Se- 
vere injuries in this quarter may involve important parts 
and be beyond the reach of art ; or the sprain may not 
be observable till the animal has rested. 



298 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

Sprain of the Shoulder occurs from a slip or fall, 
and is characterized by reluctance to move the limb, ex- 
tension of the leg forward, dragging the toe along the 
ground and slightly swinging it round when walking, 
with local tenderness under pressure, and usually with 
some heat and swelling. When the lame leg is raised- 
well up, and pulled out in front of the horse in a 
straight line, it is evident that more or less pain is caused. 

Sprain of the Hip is known by lameness, difficulty 
in moving the leg forwards, and local beat, tenderness, 
and swelling. 

Sprain of the Stifle is known by dragging of the 
leg, and the same local symptoms as the last. The pa- 
tella — or bone in front of the stifle joint — may be dislo- 
cated, in which case the leg is dragged along, stiff, and 
immovable. Drawing the leg forcibly forwards and 
pressing the bone into its place, will remedy this displace- 
ment. Spasm, or cramp of the leg, gives rise to similar 
symptoms ; it comes and goes suddenly. 

The Pelvis Bone, generally at the outer extremity, is 
frequently injured by strain or overwork. When this 
is the case, the foot on the affected side will be found 
resting on top of the other foot, the heel cork up to the 
hair on the foot. 

Treatment. — Nux Vomica and Cimicifuga^ alternately, 
20 drop doses, each one four times a day. 

Curb is an enlargement at the back of the hock, about 
three or four inches below the point of the hock, and 
consists of sprain, followed by swelling and thicke*ning 
of the ligament which binds the os calcis and metatarsal 
bones together. It is seen at a glance, by looking at the 
hock from the side. A horse galloping over stiff ground. 



Tendons and Ligaments of the Fore-leg. 

in 



S. Splint bone 



E. Extensor 
tendon. 

M. Great met- 
carpal or 
cannon or 
shank bone 



E. Extensor 

tenc^on. 




Flexor perforatus. 
Flexor perforans. 
Metacarpal ligament. 

Superior sesamoidal 
ligament. 



Superior sesamoiclal 
ligament. 

Flexor perforans. 



Flexor perforatus. 



m 



Bifurcation of the ses- 
amoidal ligament. 



Continuation forward 
of branch of the ses- 
amoidal ligament. 



C — Continuation of the 
flexor perforans — 
afterwards inserted 
into the lower side 
of the OS pedis. 



SPRAINS. 299 

or put to a sudden spring, as in a start or jump, may 
"throw out" a curb. Young horses are especially the 
subjects of it. Horses, are called cow-hocked^ or curhy- 
hocked^ when the joint is malformed in such a manner as 
to render them more than ordinarily liable to curb, from 
the ligament being kept constantly on the stretch. A 
horse with curb is unsound, but a curby-hocked horse 
not lame at the time of sale, is legally sound. A horse 
that throws out a curb even wdthin an hour after sale, 
cannot be returned to the vendor. 

Sprain of the Back Tendons, a frequent accident 
to the fore leg, is attended with sudden lameness at the 
time of injury, or the lameness is perceptible only after 
the horse has rested. There is pain, heat, and swelling 
in some part of the tendon, between the pastern and 
knee. The horse rests his leg on the toe, and is afraid 
to put the foot down flat. In bad, or neglected cases, 
the condition known as thickening of the hack sinews^ re- 
mains. 

Broken Down expresses rupture of the suspensory 
ligament, and of the perforating flexor of the foot — a se- 
rious accident which occurs suddenly to one leg, rarely 
to both, when the horse is galloping at full speed. He 
stops like a shot, or falls down — hence the name — and 
we find him resting on the fetlock, with the toe turned 
up and the sole of the foot forwards. 

Treatment. 

The treatment of all the above varieties of sprain is 
the same. They all demand absolute rest, at least until 
pain and swelling are markedly less, and the lameness 
trivial. Even then work is out of the question — gentle 



300 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

exercise is alone advisable. On this point, great care and 
judgment are required. 

In the first stage of sprains, give Arnica^ in 20 drop 
doses, every three, four, six, or eight hours, according to 
the severity of the injury, increasing the interval be- 
tween the doses with the improvement. The best appli- 
cation is Arnica Lotion^ which should be well rubbed 
into the injured part at least three times a day, or, when 
it can be done, applied constantly by wetting a piece of 
lint or cotton, covered with a dry cloth. In sprains of 
the leg, a bandage damped with the lotion, and kept 
damp, should be wrapped round. In the majority of 
cases this treatment will be successful. But if some 
swelling should still remain, substitute Rhus Lotion and 
Rhus^ using the former and giving the latter as directed 
above for Arnica. In chronic thickening of tendons, or 
the sheaths of tendons, or of the structures around a 
joint, consequent on severe or neglected sprains, have 
recourse to Mercurius Corrosivus Lotion and Merc. Cor.^ 
as directed for ^' nodes " at page 292. Apply Butter 
Salve, also. 

The following cases^ illustrate the symptoms and treat- 
ment of sprains : — 

Case I. — Sprain of the Flexor Tendon. 

On May 5th, 1860, I visited a carriage horse belonging to B. 
Green, Esq. The animal is a fine topped horse, but rather defec- 
tive in his fore legs. A few days ago he became lame of the fore 
right leg, and was sent to a veterinary surgeon, who recommended 
firing and blistering, and rest for three months. The owner ob- 
jected to such severe measures, and placed his horse under my care. 

Symptoms. — Lameness of the right fore leg ; the flexor tendon is 



Quoted from '' Practical Reply." 



SPRAINS. 301 

swollen, hot, and painful, just above the fetlock joint ; quite well 
otherwise. 

Treatment. — Foment for half an hour, and afterwards rub in Rhus 
Lotion^ night and morning ; apply a bandage, wrung out of cold wa- 
ter, round the leg, and give 20 drops of Rhus^ first dilution, night 
and morning. At the end of a week there was less lameness and 
swelling. Rhus Lotion was then used night and morning alone. — 
Three weeks from the commencement of treatment, the horse was 
sound, the swelling subsided, and the leg as firm as the other. 

Case II. — Sprain of the Pastern Joint. 

In 1860, I was consulted respecting a horse belonging to His 

Grace the Duke of . I found great lameness, and swelling of 

the leg, from the effects of a blister which had been applied to the 
fetlock joint. I ordered the application of lard to soften the scabs, 
and after they had been washed off, Atnica Lotion three times a 
day. Three weeks afterwards, when much improved, he was driven 
out, and returned worse than ever. There was heat and slight en- 
largement of the pastern joint, which I considered the original seat 
of the disease. My opinion was asked as to firing, and 1 said I 
could cure the case without. The horse was afterwards taken to a 
veterinary surgeon, who said the disease was in the fetlock joint, 
and who advised two or three courses of blistering, a dose of physic, 
rest, and firing as a last resort. As His Grace disliked such severe 
treatment, he consented to mine. I gave 20 drops of the sixth di- 
lution of Merc. Cor.^ night and morning, and caused the pastern to 
be rubbed with the Merc. Cor. embrocation. In a fortnight the 
horse was sound. 

Case III. — Sprain of the Hock at the Seat of Spavust. 

On October 4th, 18G0, 1 was requested to look at a bay horse, 
the property of the Midland Railway Company. This horse has 
been but a short time in the company's service, and is just recov- 
ered from a severe attack of bronchitis, and is not in a fit state for 
severe exertion. Last evening he was heavily loaded, and was 
driven at a quick pace. This morning he is very lame, particularly 



302 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

on the right leg ; he wfilks very widely, and is stiff in his hocks ; 
on the seat of spavin there are great heat and pain on pressure. 

Treatment. — The hocks were ordered to be well fomented twice a 
day, and after each lomentation to be well rubbed with Ruta Lotion 
— two parts of the Ruta to fifteen of water. To have internally 
Rnta^ 20 drops, first dilution, night and morning. 

This treatment was persevered with for a short time, when he 
became sound and fit to go to work. 

Case IV. — Sprain of the Hock. [Sprimg Sock,) 

On the 17th of October, 1860, my attention was directed to a 
brown gelding, the property of the Midland Railway Company, 
which came home from work the previous evening very lame. 

Sym2Jtoms. — The left hock is very much swollen all round, and pro- 
jecting on each side ; the seat of " thorough-pin,' and also the seat 
of bog-spavin, are both ver}^ hot and painful on pressure ; otherwise 
the horse is well. 

Treatment. — The hock to be well fomented three times a day, and 
immediately afterwards to be well rubbed with Ruta Lotion^ and 20 
drops of first dilution of jRw^a to be administered internally. 

Under this treatment the horse became sound in ten days, and 
went to work, although the hock was still considerably enlarged j 
but by persevering in the above treatment, it became quite right in 
a few weeks. 



10. — Bruises of the Leg and Foot. 

Cutting and Brushing is the result of hitting a fet- 
lock with the opposite foot. Some horses are so badly 
made in the legs, that cutting is a matter of course. — 
The use of a boot, and putting on a particular shaped 
shoe, known to most smiths, are preventives. 

Speedy-cut occurs during the fast action, usually in 
horses with ill shaped legs, when the inside of the leg 
just below the knee is banged by the hoof or shoe of the 



BRUISES OF THE LEG AND FOOT. 303 

opposite foot. A boot and special shoe may be required 
here also. 

Over-reach is the consequence of hitting the heel of 
a fore foot with the toe of the hind one. If neglected, 
it may end in quittor. 

Tread is a bruise caused when one foot treads upon 
the coronet of another foot, as when the horse is turning 
or backing ; or it may happen when one horse treads 
upon another. Sharpened shoes, in winter, often cause 
considerable injury in this way. Quittor may ensue. 

Treatment. 

In all the foregoing varieties of bruises, the horse 
should rest if possible. German Wash will generally 
cure any of them ; but if it fails, Arnica Lotion should be 
applied three or four times a day, either by being put on 
with the hand, or by damping a bandage with it. Treads 
and over-reaches should be well fomented by placing the 
foot in a bucketful of water or in a bran poultice. After 
the fomentation, damp a piece of tow in Arnica Lotion^ put 
it on the injured part, and fasten by a bandage. Keep 
the dressing constantly damp with the lotion, and renew 
the tow once a day. If there is a mattery discharge sub- 
sequently, put on a bran poultice medicated with a wine- 
glassful of Calendula Lotion, and when the surface is clean, 
dress with this last lotion, and secure the pledget of tow by 
means of a bandage. Butter Salve is sometimes useful. 



11. — Quittor. 

Quittor is an abscess at the coronet resulting from in- 
juries to the foot, such as corns, pricks in shoeing, or 



304 WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 

penetrating wounds produced by sharp bodies in general. 
In severe, or neglected cases, inflammation arises at the 
injured part, and matter forms, which spreads in every 
direction between the bone and horn, and at last appears 
at the coronet above the heel. The same condition of 
the coronet may follow severe treads, or over-reaches. — 
Before the gathering breaks, we observe a painful swell- 
ing at the coronet ; when this breaks of itself, there is a 
discharge of matter from one or more holes. The es- 
sence of quittor consists in there being sinuses, or pipes, 
communicating with the original seat of injury and the 
surface of the skin. Such cases are usually attended 
with considerable pain and lameness, and, unless 
promptly and properly treated, lead to disease of the 
bone, or deformity of the foot. 

Treatment. 

If the cause be corns, or penetrating wounds of the 
sole of the foot, the horn must be paired in such a man- 
ner as to let the pent-up matter out. Then put the foot 
in a pail of hot water, and afterwards in a large bran 
poultice. This should also be done for the swelling at 
the coronet, which should be opened if necessary. In 
bad cases the horse should not work. The best local 
application is Merc, Cor. Lotion^ and German Wash, in- 
jected three times a day into the pipe at the opening on 
the coronet. If there is a second opening, stop it up dur- 
ing the injection, with the point of the finger, so that the 
fluid may flow along the windings of the sinus. 

If the foot is pricked in shoeing, or if bad shoeing has 
caused corns, a skillful flirrier will know what to do. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 
DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 



1.— Sweeny. 

This is an affection of the shoulder, and is caused by 
a wide collar, by influenza, or by inflammation on the 
lungs or the liver. When the inflammation is on the 
lungs, the left shoulder will be affected, and when it is 
on the liver, it will be in the right shoulder. I have 
also known it the result of contraction of the hoof. The 
cords and muscles being contracted, the shoulder per- 
ishes, and the animal becomes very lame. Sometimes 
sweeny is caused by tying the head to the foot, also by 
the animal jumping the fence fettered. 

Treatment. 

Use the liniment called Shoulder Medicine, In bad 
cases use the Salve. I have cured chronic cases of four 
years' standing, by alternating Salve one week with Lini- 
Tuent the next, and so on, alternately, until cured. When 
the foot contracts, soak it two days in warm water, using 
Oil of Tar one day, with fresh butter or Neats-foot Oil 
Eau the foot well all over, and then shoe the animal 
with the Patent Horse Shoe. 

Recipe for Liniment — One pint Neatsfoot Oil^ one gill 
14 



306 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Hartshorn^ half pint French Brandy^ and half pint Spirits 
Turpevtine, 

Recipe for Salve for Sprains^ Ring Bone and Sioeeny. — 
3 oz. Eupliorhia ; 1 oz. Cantliarides ; 2\ drams Iodine; 3 
drams Red Precipitate; 2 drams Bichloride Mercury ; 1 
oz. Mercurial Ointment; \ oz. Venice Turpentine ; \ lb. 
White Pitch Turpentine; three-fourths lb. Lard, Melt 
and mix the Lard and Turpentine^ then add one ingre- 
dient at a time, as given in the recipe. Apply so much 
as will cover the enlargement, rubbing it in with the 
naked hand. Allow it to remain two days ; then grease 
it ; the third day wash, and then apply as before, and 
so continue until the enlargement disappears. 



2.— Glanders. 

This malignant disease is at once identified, in its 
incipient stage, by the comparatively clear watery appear- 
ance of the nasal discharge, as also characteristically by 
its peculiar adhesiveness. Sometimes it issues from one 
nostril only, sometimes from both, but it is always fluent 
— not accumulated and discharged in masses, from time 
to time, and with an effort. This discharge is sometimes 
barely noticeable, and may continue for very many 
months without farther progress in the development of 
disease, and without any apparent constitutional derange- 
ment. Yet, from the first, it is highly infectious, viru- 
lent, and malignant. By degrees there is an admixture 
of matter with the discharge. 

At first, there is often no enlargement or swelling 
whatever in the glands, but subsequently, according as 
the discharge takes place from one or both nostrils, the 



II 



GLANDERS. 307 

glands (lymphatic, submaxillary glands) of the nether 
jaw will be affected on the one, or on both sides, — never, 
however, permanently, with general and diffused swell- 
ing of the adjacent parts, but with swelling of small 
kernels close to the bone ; the membranes of the nostrils 
are characterized by a peculiar color, varying from 
greenish-blue to deep purple; and actual deep ulcers, 
with elevated margins — at first small, and gradually 
extending — will be developed upon the membrane of the 
nose (not as in cancerous ulcer of the muzzle slightly 
within, but yet on the extending part of the integument 
of the muzzle), the presence of which can be distinguished 
by the touch. Some symptoms of general disease are 
now developed, and as the discharge thickens with mat- 
ter, becomes bloody and putrid, the strength, appetite 
and condition will rapidly fail ; the coat becomes staring, 
rough, and dull ; the ulcers will multiply, the hair will 
fall off, the belly will be retracted, the respiration will 
be accompanied with a peculiar sound, as if the breath 
were expelled or inhaled through a multiplicity of little 
valves, and cough will supervene. (Compare '' Strangles " 
and " Catarrh " for the distinctions ; in the latter stage 
of catarrh there is sometimes a stickiness iii the dis- 
charge, which might mislead, unless all the attendant 
circumstances were duly considered.) Tubercular dis- 
ease of the Inngs is the last stage of glanders ; and 
glanders and farcy will ever be liable to combine, being 
very closely associated. It is, however, very essential to 
distinguish the first manifestations of glanders, lest it be 
spread not only throughout the whole of one team, but 
throughout many succeeding teams, through the exces- 
sive virulence of the infecting malignancy. 



308 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

This disease is seated in the lining membrane of the 
nostrils ; may supervene on catarrh, influenza, bronchi- 
tis, inflammation of the lungs, or strangles ; more espe- 
cially that form where the swelled gland does not sup- 
purate, but becomes hard and cancerous. It would 
seem to be induced by bad ventilation, impure air, and 
impaired condition ; but, more than all, infection is the 
chief source. If not arrested, it always proves fatal. 

Early Stage. — Discharge, from one or both nostrils, of 
a sticky fluid, about the substance of white of egg, but 
grayish in color. Smell more or less offensive. The 
nasal membrane has a leaden hue, and soon becomes 
ulcerated. Submaxillary gland (generally one first) 
feels hard, enlarged, fixed. The nasal discharge maybe 
confined to that side of the gland affected. There is no 
cough, unless complicated. 

Second Stage. — The ulcers in the nostrils are generally 
visible, and often the discharge becomes thick, and smells 
very foul. There is general debility of the system ; 
coat stares with a deaden look ; mane and tail come off 
upon the slightest force. 



3.— Farcy. 

Farcy, which is frequently attendant upon confirmed 
glanders, or which is aggravated by the complication 
with glanders in the advanced stage, particularly when 
the vessels of the head are most distinctly affected, is 
externally, a very distinct disease — with the occasional 
manifestation of a variety of indications which charac- 



FARCY. 309 

terize other diseases, such as eruptions like those of 
mange, apparently oedernatous swelling of the legs, 
affections of the foot and heel (cracking), wasting away 
of the flesh, as in phthisicky disorders ; putrid discharge 
from the nose, as in glanders. The specific nature of the 
disease, however, consisting of the induction of a poison 
of a peculiar kind by the absorbent vessels, the charac- 
teristic features are : the development of little knotty 
tumors or protuberances, "farcy-buds," along the course 
of these vessels, and which are particularly developed 
about the numerous valves which occur in the course of 
such vessels, so that there is a general cordy distension 
of the vessel throughout, with occasional intervening 
lumps. The disease gradually advances ; the buttons 
become more numerous, more prominent (being at first 
almost imperceptible), and hot, and generally excessively 
sensitive to the touch ; ulceration (or occasionally indu- 
ration) subsequently ensues. The development of these 
manifestations is sometimes preceded, but always fol- 
lowed, by rapid loss of appetite and condition, and by 
the staring, rough, unhealthy appearance of the skin, 
which characterizes most severe constitutional disorders. 
The muzzle, front part of the head, neck, and inner side 
of the thighs, are first (or alone) affected with the tumors ; 
but sometimes there is a sudden unaccountable enlarge- 
ment of the legs (or of one of the hind legs), the limb 
affected being almost incapacitated, and the symptom 
being accompanied with considerable constitutional dis- 
turbance, whereas but a few hours before there was no 
appearance of ailing. If the ulceration is unarrested, 
the tumors extend, become multiplied, the groin and 
fore-legs are affected, and ulceration follows the course 



310 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

of the absorbents in every direction ; whereupon the 
appearance of glanders completes the deplorable and 
hopeless condition of the animal. 

Glanders and Farcy are really modifications of the 
same constitutional disease. Inoculation with the mat- 
ter of glanders or farcy, or transfusion of the blood, may 
produce either disease in a sound animal. They result 
from the presence of a poison in the blood, attended 
with a peculiar specific inflammation. This poison 
appears to arise from degeneration of some of the con- 
stituents of the blood ; but in farcy the virus seems to 
be in a less matured and less virulent stage than in 
glanders. Hence, farcy is in some degree amenable to 
treatment, whilst in glanders the disease nearly always 
proves intractable. 

Farcy is often combined with glanders, but is a disease 
of the lymphatic system, its more common seat being 
the inner side of the thigh and leg, of the hinder extrem- 
ity. It may attack the fore-legs, or the neck and lip. 
A small lump, named a farcy-bud, appears, varying in 
size ; some, the size of a small nut, inflame, ulcerate, and 
open up a sore, which may extend to the size of a florin ; 
from this broken surface a fluid exudes. At first these 
buds are confined to the leg, but soon extend to various 
parts of the body. When they approach the head and 
neck, glanders will also appear. Farcy is more readily 
cured than glanders, although inoculation of the same 
virus will produce either or both diseases. Between the 
farcy-buds, hard, cord-like swellings may be felt ; these 
are the distended, inflamed lymphatic vessels. Farcy 
may be attended with dropsical swellings of the legs ; 
and is then called Water Farcy. 



i 



FARCY. 311 

In some cases, a peculiar slipping, or cracking of the 
joints may be heard when the horse walks. 

It is caused by mismanagement, excessive exhaustion, 
want of proper ventilation, want of drainage, impure air, 
neglected acute and inflammatory disorders, or anything 
which tends materially to deteriorate the vigor of the 
constitution ; and, above all, contagion, that is, the infu- 
sion of the glanderous discharge upon any spot which 
may chance to be so excoriated (or otherwise) as to 

imbibe the poison. 

Treatment. 

The first and most important step is to remove the 
animal beyond the reach of others. Few can afford to 
assign a totally separate establishment to one useless 
animal, and therefore the next step would be to destroy 
it, lest infection should chance to be conveyed, by acci- 
dent. But if there be means to devote some spot or 
building, or part of a building, to the glandered animal, 
the attempt may be made to cure the case ; for Homoeo- 
pathy alone holds out any prospect of saving animals 
infected with this poison. And the same means which 
might prove curative of a case actually developed would 
go far to prevent the development, if the suspicion is 
aroused of infection received, and they are employed in 
Homoeopathy. At the same time every possible precau- 
tion should be taken to prevent the spread of this, the 
most virulent and destructive infection known to man. 
The least possible germ or effluvia from an animal suf- 
fering with this disease is capable of extending it to 
others, and thus the danger is again increased. The 
man who looks after a horse under suspicion of either of 
these diseases should not be allowed to go among other 



S12 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

horses. The sponge, brush, pail, and other articles of 
stable equipment must, of course, be kept quite distinct 
The attendant should be particularly warned that the 
disease is communicable to man, and no one with a 
broken skin should ever touch a glandeied or farcied 
horse. 

Afercurius^ Arsenicum^ and Kali hydriod, have been 
recommended for animals affected with glanders ; but 
the ill success which has followed their employment 
hitherto would not warrant our wasting time on these 
remedies, when there are others so much better capable 
of subduing this dangerous disorder, and of destroying 
its infection. The sovereign remedy for glanders and 
farcy is Kali Bichromicum and Carbolic Acid. Give ten 
drops in a little water, six times a day, for one day, of 
the Kali Bichromicum ^ and the same dose of Carbolic 
Acidj six times a day, on the second day, alternating 
daily the Kali Bichromicum and Carbolic Acid. 

If there are farcy buds, wash them in a solution of 
Carbolic Acid^ — one ounce of the acid to two quarts of 
water. 

All sponges, brushes, and other articles employed 
about a glandered horse should be burned or deeply 
buried ; as it would be more trouble and expense to 
disinfect them, even with this antiseptic, than they 
would be worth. 

In addition to the specific remedies with which the 
disease must be antidoted, it is necessary to take every 
means to put the animal in good condition. As both 
glanders and farcy, when not the result of direct infec- 
tion, come from overwork, poor fare, and damp, foul, 
and in other respects unhealthy, stables, so it is of the 



RHEUMATISM. 313 

first importance to change all this. The diseased animal 
of course must remain at rest ; his food should be nour- 
ishing and easy of digestion. Carrots and other green 
food and esculent roots are particularly recommended. 



4. — Rheumatism. 
IN HORSES. 

Acute Rheumatism is a febrile disease, attended with 
inflammation of the structures surrounding the joints, or 
of the lining membrane of the heart, or of the sac inclos- 
ing the heart. Some horses are more subject to it than 
others, owing to constitutional peculiarity, or hereditary 
predisposition. It is directly excited by exposure to 
damp and cold, either during health, or during conva- 
lescence from some catarrhal or pulmonary attack. 

Sudden lameness is the first most marked symptom ; 
it occurs in one or more legs, and in one or other joints, 
shoulder, stifle, hock, pastern, hip, etc. The affected 
joint, or joints, are hot and tender to the touch, and 
swollen. The animal stands still, and is very loth to 
stir a step. The breathing and pulse are both quick- 
ened — the latter also full and bounding. Judging from 
the animal's manner, there is severe pain in the part. 
The bowels are active, the tongue furred, and the saliva 
sour to the smell. There is a marked tendency to one 
joint being affected after the other, the disease often 
returning to the one first attacked. Above all, the 
heart and pleura are apt to be involved, in which case 
the gravity of the attack is greatly increased. In fatal 
cases, death from exhaustion, or from incurable lesion 

of the heart, comes on suddenly. 
14-x- 



314 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Chronic Rheumatism is of the same nature as the acute, 
but the symptoms are much milder in character, and of 
longer duration. It is characterized by sudden lame- 
ness, of one leg to-day, of another to-morrow, especially 
after exposure ; and there may, or may not be some 
swelling, heat, and pain in one of the joints of the leg. 
After cure, it is apt to reappear, and may continue more 
or less for months. It arises either as an independent 
affection, or as the result of an acute attack — most fre- 
quently the former. 

Lumbago is rheumatism of the lumbar fascia, and an 
animal thus attacked is said to be " loin-bound." Pleuro- 
dynia exists when the disease affects the muscles between 
the ribs and the fibrous fascia lining the chest. The 
horse is said to be " shoulder-tied," or to have chest- 
founder^ when the fibrous tissues about the shoulder are 
the seat of rheumatism. Lastly, cases are occasionally 
met with not unlike human sciatica. 

IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

Oxen are probably more subject to rheumatism than 
even horses. Cow leeches used to call rheumatism of 
the back, chine-felon^ and of the joints, jointfelon. The 
symptoms, in their general features, of these different 
forms, or varieties of the disease, do not differ from those 
observed in the horse. 

Treatment. 

Aconitum is indicated at the beginning of the attack, 
when there are symptoms of febrile excitement ; and 
also when the general symptoms and physical signs 
point out heart complication. 

Belladonna^ when the affected parts are extremely ten- 



RHEUMATISM. 315 

der to the touch, and painful when moved, causing 
lameness. It is specially suitable when the shoulder is 
the seat of the disease. 

Bryonia is indicated in cases of acute rheumatism, 
particularly of the legs, attended with frequent, full 
pulse, thirst, high-colored urine, pain aggravated by 
motion. 

Nux Vomica is frequently beneficial when the stomach 
is out of order and the bowels costive, and in those cases 
which are attended with symptoms of paralytic weakness 
of the muscles of the legs. 

Rhus is another remedy which is attended with good 
results in those cases where the animal appears to have 
lost the muscular power of the legs, and when the mus- 
cles of the back are principally affected. Also, when 
there is stiffness on first moving, and when the lameness 
is less after exercise. 

Gimicifuga^ Arnica^ Arsenicum^ MercuriuSj and Sulphur^ 
are also indicated in certain cases. 

Doses. — 20 drops for horses and oxen; 10 for sheep. Give a 
dose every two, four, six, or eight hours, according to the vio- 
lence of the symptoms. Rub the diseased parts with Butter 
Salve. 

The following cases, quoted from the British Journal 
of Hom. for 1858, are excellent examples of the symp- 
toms and treatment of this disease in its different phases : 

Case I. — Rheumatism and Lumbago in Cow. 

On March 10th, 1858, I saw a cow belonging to R. Waller, Esq., 
Withington, near Mancliester. 

The symptoms are: — Pulse 72 and full; respiration right; 
great lameness of right leg; some swelling over the hip joint no 



816 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

appetite ; hair standing on end ; appears to suffer great pain ; the 
back is stiil", an^l so tender that when pressed upon the cow groans 
aloud. 

Treatment. — To have Aconite I, 20 drops every three hours ; keep 
in doors and clothe well. 

March 11th. — She is now down and cannot rise; no other 
change. To have Aconite and Bryonia^ 1st dil., 20 drops every three 
hours alternately. 

March 12th. -^Rather better; pulse reduced; has eaten hay 
and bran mash. 

March 13th. — No further improvement. To have Belladonna 1, 
20 drops, thrice daily. 

March 14th. — Better; appetite improving; bowels getting 
right ; has been attempting to rise. 

March 15th. — She got up to-day ; appetite good ; rumination 
resumed. To have Sulphur night and morning for a few days. 

Case II. — Rheumatism — Heart Involved. 

A van-horse belonging to the London and North Western Rail- 
way Company. This horse is nine years old, and has had several 
rheumatic attacks during the four years he has been in the Com- 
pany's possession. Twelve months ago, 1 attended him for an 
arthritic seizure, resembling the present one, only not so severe. 
Whilst out delivering parcels, and standing for a considerable time 
exposed to a cold, frosty, cutting, east wind, he was observed to 
limp at starting ; this increased so much that he could go no longer, 
and had to be brought home. 

November 24th, 1858. — Symptoms-. — Pulse 60 and full ; respira- 
tion 30 ; little or no appetite ; dung hard ; abdomen tucked up ; 
urine scanty and high colored ; he is in the stall, holding up the 
right hind leg about a foot from the ground ; when made to move, 
he scarcely puts his toe to the floor ; examined the foot and found 
nothing wrong there. 

Treatment — To have Aconiium 1, 20 drops every three hours. 

25th. — Considerably better ; still very lame, but can put the 
foot down ; pulse 04 and strong ; respiration 24. 

Continue medicine. 

2r)th. — ITc is now as lame on the left hind leg as he was at first 



rheumatism". 317 

on the right ; holds it up, and is evidently afraid to stand upon it ; 
pulse 54, irregular and intermittent — sometimes stiong and full, 
sometimes so weak that it can scarcely be felt; respiration quick- 
ened. 

To have Digitalis 1, 20 drops every three hours. 

27 th.— Much better ; pulse 44, still intermitting occasionally; 
can walk on both legs alike ; some stiffness when moved ; fetlock 
joint somewhat swollen; dung and urine natural ; appetite good. 

Continue medicine. 

28th. — Still improving ; pulse 36 ; the horse is lively and eats 
well ; rather lamer on the right leg again. 

Continue medicine. 

30th. — Pulse is now regular ; otherwise same as on 28th. 

To have Bryonia 1, 20 drops, thrice daily. 

December 10th. — Gone to work. 

Case III. — Acute Rheumatism. 

March 16th, 1859.- -A colt, belonging to Messrs. Syddall 
Brothers, Chadkirk, near Manchester, required my attendance. 

Some time ago this animal was successfully treated for a severe 
rheumatic attack. On March 4th, he was found in the field early 
in the morning, having been turned out of his comfortable box by 
some mischievous fellow. On the following day he was feverish, 
off his food, stiff, and unable to move except with considerable pain 
and difficulty. Aconitum was given three times a day. On the 
8th I was consulted, and prescribed Bryonia and Rhus j but no 
benefit following, my attendance was requested. 

The symptoms are :— Pulse 72, hard and contracted ; respiration 
accelerated ; nostrils dilated ; the neck is held stiffly, the head 
being poked out ; there is considerable difficulty in turning round in 
the box, in consequence of pain and rigidity of the. loins ; the hind 
legs seem weak, particularly the right one; the lumbar region is 
somewhat arched and painful on one circumscribed part ; the belly 
is tucked up; the horse walks in a peculiar manner, hesitatingly 
and weakly, as if from partial paralysis ; he is irritable and easily 
excited; the appetite is impaired; the bowels regular; the urine 
scanty and high colored. 



318 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Tre'ttiTf.at. — To ha^e Rhododendron 1, 20 drops, every three hours. 

18th. — Better; pulse 54 j walks better; neck less stiff; consid- 
erable swelling in the middle of abdomen ; loins less painful, etc. 

( /ontinue medicine. 

23d. — All right. The medicine to be continued night and 
morning for a few days. 

24th. — Summoned to visit the horse, as he was much worse. 
Pulse 72 and full ; respiration blowing and laborious ; the skin is 
saturated with sweat ; the left hind hock is very much swollen, 
an i exquisitely painful to touch ; the horse is dead lame, and can 
only point the toe of the affected limb ; the mouth is hot and 
clammy ; the urine turbid ; the bowels constipated ; the appetite 
gone. 

T«j have Ruta 1, 20 drops every three hours ; the hock to be well 
rubbed night and morning with Ruta Loiion^ and a flannel bandage 
to be applied. 

25th. — Received a message to the effect that the colt was consid- 
erably better. 

27th. — No lameness ; the hock is still somewhat swollen, also 
the fetlock joint ; eats well and is hearty. Continue medicine and 
lotion. 

30th.— Well. 



5. — Myalgia. 

In this disorder the muscles are the seat of pain. 
Horses, more frequently than other animals, are affected 
with it after racing, hunting, or any other severe, or long- 
continued exertion. Soreness and stiffness express the 
same state in man. Usually, the pulse and breathing 
are little, if at all, disturbed, except after exertion, or 
when there is considerable pain. When the muscles of 
the chest and shoulder are principally affected, the dis- 
ease resembles rheumatic pleurodynia, or spraining the 
shoulder, in which latter case the horse walks down hill 



J 



MYALGIA. 319 

with great pain and difficulty, but up hill with compara- 
tive ease. Pressure of the affected muscles shows that 
there is great tenderness. Myalgia may be confounded 
with chronic rheumatism, from which, however, it 
chiefly differs in not attacking fibrous structures, or 
those entering into the formation of joints — in usually 
following severe exertion, or from a horse being over- 
weighted — and in the shifting character of rheumatism 
being absent. 

The best remedy is Arnica — 20 drops every four 
hours. 

The following was probably an instance of myalgia : 

Case. 

On June 3d, 1858, a pony, 13 hands high, belonging to Mr. Ker- 
shaw, sohcitor, Manchester, had the following symptoms : Back 
arched, and as stiff and immoveable as if the vertebrse were made 
of one piece ; difficulty in moving forward both Ipgs, especially the 
right one ; evident pain attending motion ; soreness of the muscles ; 
lies down much; when crouching, preparatory to lying on the 
ground, considerable hesitation is manifested, arising no doubt 
from the pain and difficulty attending the muscular movements ; 
instead of lying down slowly and gently, he drops to the ground ; 
he rises with great difficulty ; the appetite is tolerably good ; the 
pulse 44, and the breathing 20 per minute, etc. 

Treatment. — To have 20 drops of Merc. v. 5, and the same dose of 
Rhus 1, every six hours ; rub RhtLS Lotion on the loins and shoul- 
ders. 

On June 4th, pulse and breathing normal ; back in natural posi- 
tion ; much improved in all other respects. 

On June 5th, the groom called to say that my patient was pranc- 
ing about at his exercise this morning. 



320 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

6. — Purpura Hemorrhagica. 
IN HORSES. 

This disease depends upon some unascertained altera- 
tion in the blood, or blood vessels, or both, which allows 
the blood to escape into the structure of the skin, into 
the tissues under the skin, and into internal organs, and 
cavities, and ducts. 

The causes are believed to be those which are calcu- 
lated to lower vital power, or to impair the process of 
blood-making (sanguification), such as close, ill-ventila- 
ted, damp stables ; overwork ; bad or scanty food, etc. 
I have noticed that in nearly, if not in every case, the 
symptoms of purpura have been preceded, at a longer or 
shorter period, by a catarrhal affection. 

The pulse ranges about 60, and is full ; the breathing 
about 20 per minute. Swellings of variable size and 
irregular outline, and consisting of effused blood, su.d- 
denly appear under, or in the skin, in different parts of 
the body — especially the legs. The swelling of the legs 
about the hocks and knees is often enormous, and ends 
abruptly at the stifle and elbow joints. The lips and 
nostrils are much swollen, tense, and shining. The 
openings of the nose are often so much narrowed as to 
cause some difiiculty of breathing. On examining the 
nasal membrane, it is found very red, and studded with 
purple spots which vary much in size — from a shilling 
downwards. 

The inside of the lips is likewise covered with similar 
spots. If one of them be pricked, fluid blood exudes. 

Usually, in a day or two, the pulse becomes weaker, 
the urine high colored, and farther extravasations occur, 



PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. 321 

unless the attack I'akes a favorable turn. The swellings, 
whicli at first have a well-defined margin, which is 
gradually lost in the adjacent skin, extend to the breast, 
flank, belly, quarter, &c. ; the membrane of the eye is 
blood-shot; a dark, bloody, fluid, alone or mixed with 
matter, flows from the nose : the nasal membrane 
becomes black, and the former spots slough off* and the 
tissue is seen hanging in shreds. The patches of swell- 
ing on some parts of the body become cold, hard as a 
board, and insensible to feeling — die, in fact, and shortly 
slough off*, leaving raw, unhealthy sores. Other patches, 
especially those under the belly, exude a fluid, which 
ma}'- be seen hanging in drops on the hair. There is 
also in severe cases a discharge of blood by the urine, 
either mixed up with the urine, or passed in small clots. 
In addition, the animal is weak, eats little or nothing, 
and cannot move his legs, from the swelling preventing 
bending of the joints. 

Such are the essential symptoms of this disease. 

Treatment. 

I have tried several medicines, but now I only use 
Kali Bichromicum alternately with Carbolic Acid, These 
I regard as specific, from their remarkable power over 
this disease. 

During the last seven years, I have treated eighteen 
cases, with only one death, ten of them in horses belong- 
ing to the Midland Eailway Company. 

The following are cases in point : 

Case I. 

On the 23d of October, 18G0, I was requested to look at a bay 
horse, the property of the Midland Railway Company. This horse 



322 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

had a severe attack of bronchitis on the IGth of September, and 
resumed work on the 1st instant, since which time he has been 
well and improving in condition, until 3'esterdaj, when he was 
observed by the horse-keeper to be oil' his food, and looking dull 
and heavy. 

Si/mptovis.—l?\i\se 60, full and strong ; respiration 20 ; fore legs, 
particularly the left one, swollen up to the knees, or rather higher, 
and in conseqnenje of this swelling he moves with very great diffi- 
culty ; the Schneiderian membrane is beautifully spotted with 
small purple spots about the size of a pin's head. 

Treatment. — To have Aconite^ 20 drops, first dilution, every three 
hours. 

24th. — Much better ; pulse 44, and of the usual character ; res- 
piration 14; the swelling is now up to the chest, but decreasing a 
little on the legs ; there is a considerable and painful swelling on 
the belly, near the left flank ; the purple spots on the Schneiderian 
membrane are much fainter ; appetite good ; to have Kali Bichrom.y 
20 drops, first dilution, every three hours. 

25 th. — The swelling on the right leg is nearly gone, and that on 
the left is somewhat diminished; also that on the belly; appetite 
good ; pulse and respiration same as yesterday. Continue medicine. 

26fch. — Considerable amendment; pulse 40; respiration 10; 
swelling of the right leg entirely gone ; that on the left is conside- 
rably diminished, and the swelling on the belly is gradually disap- 
pearing. Continue medicine three times a day. 

28th. — Pulse and respiration normal ; there is a little swelling 
on the left knee, and on the side of the abdomen ; otherwise the 
horse is well. Continue medicine night and morning. 

30th. — Well, and gone to work. 

Case II. 

On August 13, 1861, Mr. W oime for me to go and see one 

of his horses which was unwell. The horse has been ill for four 
days, but had previously cold and cough before the swelling 
came on. 

Symptoms. — Pulse 64, and full ; respiration 14 per minute ; the 
nasal membranes are thickly studded with scarlet spots, from the 



I 



PUKPURA HEMORRHAGICA. 323 

size of a pin's head to that of a shilling, and the alae are somewhat 
swollen ; the hind legs are swollen up to the patella, where the 
swelling terminates abruptly ; the sheath is also enormously swol- 
len, and so are the fore legs up to the chest, where the swelling 
terminates abruptly ; the urine is scanty, and high colored ; fseces 
contain more mucus than usual; appetite fair. 

Treatment. — To have Kali Blcliromicum^ 20 drops, first dilution, 
three times a day. 

This case steadily improved under the use of this remedy. At 
the end of three weeks from the commencement of the treatment 
he went to light work, and in another week went to his regular job. 

Case III. 

On December 12th, 1858, I visited a horse belonging to Messrs. 
Taylor, Hampson, and Pegg, calico printers, Manchester. A fort- 
night previously the horse began to have a frequent cough, consid- 
erable difficulty in swallowing, and loss of appetite, for which Bel- 
ladonna was given. Since then he has been getting worse, and 
being no longer fit to work, I was sent for. 

Symptoms. — Pulse 50 and full; respiration 16 per minute; the 
nasal membrane, as far as it can be seen, is studded with numerous 
small, round, scarlet spots ; there is a clot of muco-pus in the left 
nostril ; cough hard and frequent ; eyes watery ; profuse lachry- 
mation from right eye ; mouth dry ; breath more unpleasant than 
offensive ; tongue covered with a yellow far ; dung offensive ; urine 
thick, and dirty-brown in color ; hind legs very much swollen 
especially around hocks ; the swelling extends upwards for twelve 
inches, and ends abruptly : the fore legs are also swollen up to the 
knees ; the hind legs are paddled uneasily, and there is stiffness and 
difficulty in walking. 

Treatment. — To have Belladonna 1, 20 drops every three hours ; 
sloppy bran mash ; a few carrots ; very little hay. 

13th. — Pulse 40, soft and full ; respiration 10 ; some of the scar- 
let spots are fading ; cough moist, and less frequent ; tongue 
cleaner; appetite improved; swelling about same, but not so 
painful. Continue medicine every four hours. 

15th. — Some of the spots sccni to have coalesced, for they are 



324 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

not so numerous, and are much largpr, as large as a fourpenny- 
piece, decreasing in size to a pin's point ; the swelling in the legs 
is much less ; the animal can walk with greater freedom; the appe- 
tite is good, and the excretions natural. Continue medicine. 

18th. — Since last report the horse has been slowly improving; 
the spots are nearly all gone, except one about the size of a shilling ; 
the swellings are reduced, and horse can walk about. Continue 
medicine. 

December 21st. — I was sent for in great haste, as the horse was 
much worse. Pulse 50, and soft, full, and compressible ; the nasal 
membrane is quite black ; the nose hard, swollen, and exquisitely 
painful ; respiration 16, and snuffling ; the swelling, which reaches 
as high as the stifle joint, where it terminates abruptly, is hard, 
hot, tense, and so tender that he will scarcely allow it to be 
touched; the fore legs are also swollen, especially at the knees ; 
the horse can hardly move himself; he has a dull and dejected 
look, and eats little or nothing ; the bowels are costive, and the 
urine scanty and high colored. 

To have Kali Bichrom, — 1 grain in 24 oz. of water, 2 oz. for a 
dose, every two hours. 

22d. — Much better ; pulse 46 ; breathing 10 ; ecchymcsis on the 
right nasal membrane has sloughed off, leaving a raw, ragged sur- 
face ; that on the left is becoming detached ; a piece about the size 
of a half-crown has sloughed off each nasdl ala. The tumefaction 
of the muzzle is considerably less ; the legs are much diminished in 
size, and not so painful ; on the right side of the breast there is a 
hard, circumscribed swelling about the size of a goose's egg; on the 
left side of the chest there are two similar extravasations ; appetite 
good ; looks more lively. 

Continue medicine every three hours. To have boiled oats, 
beans, and bran mixed, given frequently in small quantities, alter- 
nately with carrots. 

23d. — Some shreds of slough are hanging loose in left nostril ; 
others have been snorted out ; the raw surface on the right nostril 
is filling up ; the swellings of the legs are rapidly subsiding, and 
the horse walks freely about the box. A large slough is separating 
from the inside of both thighs, where the swelling was so great. 

Continue medicine every four hours. 



MILK FEVER. 325 

24tli, — The sloughs on the left nostril have all been discharged, 
leaving a raw surface ; the extravasations on side and breast are 
not so large. 

Continue medicine three times a day. 

28th. — The horse has been gradually improving, and is now 
quite well. 



7. — Milk Fever — Puerperal Fever — Dropping 
after Calving. 

This very dangerous, and in the ordinary practice, al- 
most incurable disease, is much more common in cows 
and sheep than in mares. It is said not to be so apt to 
occur at the first time of calving, as on the subsequent 
occasions. High and stall-fed cows are most subject to 
this disorder, especially those supplied with rich food for 
the sake of making them give as much milk as possible. 
Milk fever sets in very soon after parturition, from the 
first to the fourth day ; after the fourth day, if doing 
well, the cow may be considered safe. Sometimes its 
cause may be traced to violence ; at others, to exposure 
to wet and cold ; or the cause may be entirely indiscov- 
erable. Mr Blaine says, "the treatment in the early 
stage calls for bleeding, and that liberally ;'' but in the 
early stage alone ; and he advises a plenty of most pow- 
erful medicines. Gamgee, on the other hand, tells us, 
" above all things, avoid strong internal remedies and 
bleeding." Either method seems equally unsuccessful ; 
for nearly all die that are taken, according to the testi- 
mony of allopathic veterinarian surgeons. 

From Dr. Moore's original monograph we take the fol- 
lowing account of milk fever, and its homoeopathic treat- 
ment : 



:\2i) 



DISKASKH NOT ChASSlKIKD. 



111 the ^ 



Milk Irvc^r l)(v^ins shortly after calvini;-, a 
iniijoi'ily ()rc.as(\s, within t\V(Mitv-f<^nr liours; the (^ow re- 
fuses her food, or (mIs only a \-er\- litlhM)!' it; sh(^ is de- 
pressed, hangs her head, and looks dull ; tlu* hoi'ns are 
liot, and sometimes cold ; the nos(\ instt^id ol' being damp 
with the healthy (hnv, is hot and dry; the urine is 
scanty; tln^, bowels are eoidiniMl, or, if movtMl, \\\c dung 
is luird and lumpy; tlu^ pulse is quiek(M' and fuller than 
in health; llie hri^Uhing is (piiekened, and atttuided with 
heaving at the Ihmks. 'To these warning indications 
tluM'e succeed, with more or l(\-^s r;ipidit\', those unmis- 
takable symptoms which ar(* perhaps the iii'st to attract 
the owner's attention, '^^l^he milk is reduced in cpiantity, 
or entirely stopped ; the eyes glisten, and look bright 
and staring; tlu^ whittM)!' the eye is eovereil with nu- 
merous red streaks, or it is of a leaden color; the eye- 
balls are thrust forward from their sockets, giving the 
cow a somcwh.'it. wdd and anxious (^x|)r(\^sion ; the hind 
legs seem weak, and are se|)arated a litt h^ from each other ; 
she appears to stand uneasily upon them, iirst rests upon 
one for a short time and then changes to the other; this 
paddling and slnfting about, iVom owe leg to its fidlow 
continues until the dillieulty of staiuling increases, alid 
the animal su|)|)oiis herself against the wall or stall ; she 
does not chew the cud; all discharge fromtlie bearing is 
stoppi^d ; tlu^ calf is nc\glect.ed ; the puls(^ is now slower 
than before, and the breathing more dillicult; the udder 
is hard and swelliMl, and litth* or no milk can be with- 
drawn from it. (Iradually becoming worse, the weakncssBl 
in the hind K\i;s increases to so gi\\it an extent, that they 
can no longer sup|)oi't her: she staggers and sways i 
about, falling, at. length, heavil}' upon the ground ; she! 



MILK FEVER. »^>27 

tries to rise again, and may, or may not succeed; in 
either case, she soon loses all power of getting up, and 
remains upon the ground in a helpless state. In this 
stage of tlie complaint, the symptoms vary in different 
cases. In some cases the cow tosses her head 
about from one place to another, writhes her body, lashes 
her tail, struggles, stretches out her hind legs, moans, 
bellows, and appears, from the expression of her face and 
general behavior, to suffer great pain. At the same time, 
the breathing is difficult and labored ; the skin covered 
with clammy sweat ; and the ];)aunch enormously swollen, 
owing to the stomach having entirely, or partially, lost 
the power of dissolving the food, which now undergoes 
the ordinary chemical changes, attended with the giving 
off of gas. 

Unless the swelling which arises from the presence of 
this gas subside, the breathing becomes more and more 
difficult and labored, so that the animal can scarcely take 
her breath ;* the pulse becomes oppressed, and can 
scarcely be counted at the jaw ; the legs become very 
cold ; more severe pain is felt ; wind, having a bad smell, 
rises up from the stomach, and death ensues. 

In other cases again these symptoms are altogether ab- 
sent, or exist only in a slight degree; the more promi- 
nent being these : the cow lies stretched out full length 
upon her side, or her head is brought to the o[)posite 
side, with the nose towards the udder, and the chin rest- 
ing upon the ground ; or the head is twisted directly 
backwards, with the nose held out, and the horns turned 
upon the shoulder in a most awkward manner, ^fhe 



*For dIrectioD8 for foeliDy the pulHc of uiiimulH, nee the Hint chajjtcr of tlijn 
work. 



328 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

eyes look dim and glassy ; upon placing a light near 1 
them, the cow takes no notice of it, and does not move 
or shut the eyelids, for the power of seeing is lost ; the 
pupil is widened, in some cases almost round, and does 
not become narrower when light is held before the eye, 
as it does in the healthy state ; the ears hang down ; the 
mouth is partly open ; and when the head is raised, the 
lower jaw drops down ; the cow has not the power of 
keeping the head up when you raise it from the ground ; 
the ability to swallow is nearly or quite gone ; she has 
lost the sense of feeling ; the breathing is still difficult, 
and attended with rattling in the throat ; the pulse is 
weak, slow, sometimes stops beating for a moment or two 
and then goes on again, and, in some cases, can scarcely 
be felt at all ; the horns, legs, and surface of the body 
generally are cold and chilly ; the swelling of the belly 
increases ; the- udder is much swelled, hard, and some- 
times red on the outside ; in some cases, neither dung 
nor urine is discharged. All these symptoms become 
worse and worse, and if it resists all treatment, death en- 
sues, generally within two days after the attack, and in 
.some cases within a few hours. 

The symptoms of this disease appear so suddenly, and 
run so quick a course, that the cow, about the calving 
time, should be narrowly watched, both night and day^ in 
order that no time may be lost in opposing the complaint 
at its onset by the proper remedies. The delay of even 
a few hours may settle the question of the cow's recov- 
ery ; the disease is then fully developed and death may 
ensue before the medicines have had a chance of acting. 
But even in the advanced stages the disease may be sub- 
dued. The author has had cases of recovery where the 



MILK FEVER. 329 

butclier was in attendance for several hours to slaughter 

the animal when at the point of death. Still, the cow is 

much more likely to rally if the disease be combated as 

soon as it begins. It behooves every farmer, therefore, to 

be prepared, and at once to give the medicines when the 

complaint declares itself Several medicines are suitable 

for this disease, but the following six are, according to 

the author's experience, the most efficient, and should be 

kept at hand in case of emergency ; they are Aconitum^ 

Arsenicum^ Belladonna^ Bryonia^ Ammonium caibsticum^ 

and Nux Vomica. 

Attention to the following directions will enable every 

cow owner to decide which of these medicines is most 

suitable, in any given case of this disease. He must 

first find out the symptoms or sufferings of his cow, that 

is to say, he is to inquire as to the pulse, breathing, 

milk, chewing of the cud, and general condition of the 

animal. 

Treatment. 

In the first place^ then, supposing the following symp- 
toms to be present : refusal of food ; dullness and de- 
pression ; hot horns ; dry, hot nose ; scanty urine ; con- 
fined bowels ; quick, full pulse*; hurried, heaving breath- 
ing ; wild, staring eyes ; stoppage of milk ; wild and 
anxious expression of countenance ; paddling and shift- 
ing of the hind legs ; eyeballs thrust out ; tossing about 
of the head ; struggling and uneasiness of the whole 
body. For these indications of the disease the best and 
most successful remedies are Aconitum and Belladonna. 
The author believes that if they were given as soon as 
the disease becomes manifest, almost every cow would 
recover. 

15 



330 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

DasEs.— Give Aconitum and Btlladoima, altt^nately, in 20 drop 
closes, every one, two, or three hours, according to the severity 
of the S3^mptoms. 

In the second place^ if tlie disease advances, and the 
symptoms are these : enormous swelling of the paunch ; 
frequent, difficult, and labored breathing ; gurgling and 
rattling in the throat ; slow, weak, oppressed pulse ; cold, 
clammy skin ; extreme coldness of the legs ; lashing of 
the tail, tossing about of the head, and writhing of the 
body, showing that severe pain is felt; then give Ainmo- 
7iiuni causiicum. 

Dose. — Give 20 drops of Ammonium causticum^ in a wine-glassful 
of water, every fifteen or twenty minutes, until the swelling 
goes down. 

In tlie third place^ if the symptoms just given remain, 
and the last medicine has had the effect of lessening the 
swelling ; if, further, the cow is in the sleepy stage, and 
presenting the following condition : insensibility to pain ; 
loss of power of seeing, of swallowing, &c. ; glassy state 
of eyes ; open mouth ; inability to hold up the head 
when it is raised ; general coldness of the body, &c. ; 
then Arsenicum is to be given. 

Dose. — Give 20 drops every fifteen, twenty, thirty, or sixty min- 
utes, according to the violence of the symptoms, until improve- 
ment sets in, then lengthen the time between the doses to tw^o, 
three, or four hours. 

In the fourth place^ if the cow has recovered from all 
the more urgent symptoms ; if all traces of fever and of 
the sleepy stage have yielded to the foregoing remedies, 
but the animal still lies on the ground, and is unable to 
rise up, except upon her fore legs, then give Nux Vomica^ 



I 



MILK FEVER. 331 

20 drops in a little water, every four hours, until the cow 
is well. 

In the fifth place^ if in the first stage the eyes are not 
bright, staring, or thrust from their sockets ; if the udder 
is soft and flabby ; in short, if the list of symptoms 
show that the head is not much affected as yet, Bryonia 
is to be given, 20 drops in a little water, every one, two, 
or three hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. 

Belladonna will be indicated by symptoms affecting 
the head. Eyes blinded, or dilated pupils, or bright, 
projecting, and glistening; by relaxation of the sphinc- 
ter muscles of the rectum, the fundament and bearing 
are open and flabby ; and by the udder red, hot, dis- 
tended, and destitute of milk. 

In the sleepy stage, when the power of swallowing is 
gone, and when the cow would choke were large quanti- 
ties of fluid introduced into the mouth, the medicine, in 
20 drop doses, ought to be given in half a tablespoonful 
of water, instead of a wine-glassful. The advantage of 
our remedies is here apparent. During this stage, when 
giving the medicine, care must also be taken not to hold 
the head too high, otherwise the animal may be choked. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 

1. The cow should, if possible, be placed in a large 
box or stall by herself, where there is plenty of fresh air, 
so that she may breathe freely, and have room to make 
attempts to rise, which she will frequently do when re- 
covering. 

2. She should be laid upon clean, dry straw, and no 
dung should remain long. 

3. She should be comfortably clothed, according to 
the state of the weather. 



332 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

4. The milk should be frequently drawn oflf, and the 
udder hand-rubbed. 

5. If she makes no water, the catheter should be 
passed to draw it off, at least night and morning. 

6. Care must be taken that the fore part of the cow is 
rather higher than the hinder, or that she lies upon an ex- 
act level, with her legs under her, as in the natural posi- 
tion. She must be placed rather upon one side, and well 
supported with bundles of straw. If she do not turn 
herself, she must be shifted from one side to the other 
every two hours. She must on no account be allowed 
to lie stretched out full length on one side, else she will 
surely become worse, and die from suffocation. Her 
head should be supported with bundles of straw. 

We subjoin a couple of Dr. Moore's cases, to show his 
method of treating this disease, and its great success. 

Case I. 

A cross-bred, six years' old cow has been in the possession of the 
Rev. Mr. Figgins, Booth Cottage, Blacklej, near Manchester, for a 
considerable time, and has always been well. About twenty -four 
hoars after calving, she dropped, and was quite unable to rise up. 
Mr. Figgins, who has always a supply of medicines by him, lost no 
time in giving several doses of Acoiiitum and of Belladonna before 
my arrival. This promptitude of treatment kept the disease in 
check, for, on examining the cow, I found that all the worst symp- 
toms had yielded. 

The symptoms are : — Pulse 76 and strong ; respiration hurried ; 
she is lying easily upon the ground, but is quite unable to rise ; 
her eyes are glistening, wild-looking, and projecting; there is no 
milk, appetite, chewing of the cud, etc. 

Treatment. — To have Nux Vomica every three hours. 

Much better ; has chewed the cud ; would eat more than is 
given, making bold efforts to rise. 

Continue medicine. 



LIVER OF THE OX. 833 

She got up last night ; gives milk freely ; all the functions are 
again healthy. 

Case II. 

A seven year old, very highly fed cow, belonging to Mr. Joshua 
Marler, Newton Moor, near Manchester, about twenty -four hours 
after an easy delivery, her fifth, began to show all the warning 
symptoms of this disease, and I was sent for immediately. 

Symptoms. — The pulse is slow, feeble, and quickened ; the udder 
is hard, distended, hot, and yields no milk ; no dung or water 
comes away ; the fundament and bearing are open and flabby ; the 
body is occasionally rolled and writhed about uneasily, and the 
tail lashed : she sometimes tosses herself from side to side, but is, 
of course, quite unable to rise ; the belly is swollen ; she cannot 
hold her head up ; the eyelids are half closed; the pupils dilated ; 
tears roll down the face — in short, without enumerating others, 
she has all the symptoms of the sleepy stage. 

Treatment. — To have Arsenicum and Belladonna every hour, turn 
about, until symptoms of improvement show themselves, then 
every two hours. 

May 21st. — All the above symptoms are much relieved ; the 
swelling is gone down ; she can hold up her head ; has dunged and 
made water ; drank some gruel, etc. 

Continue medicine. 

May 22d.— She lies like a cow resting, to all appearances well, 
only unable to rise. 

To have Nux Vomica every three hours. 

May 23d. — Got up this morning; all right. 



8.— The Liver of the Ox. 

This organ is situated on the right side of the abdo- 
men, between the manyplus and the diaphragm. It is 
principally supported by a duplicature of the peritoneum 
extending from the spine, and is confined in its situation 
by other ligaments, or similar peritoneal duplicature, 
connecting its separate lobes or divisions with the dia- 



334 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

phragm. It is divided into two lobes of unequal size. 
The right lobe is larger than that in the liver of the 
horse ; the smaller one is comparatively diminutive ; and, 
altogether, the liver of the ox is less than that of the horse. 

The blood from the other contents of the abdomen, 
instead of flowing directly to the heart, passes through 
the liver. It enters by two large vessels, and is spread 
through every part of the liver by means of the almost 
innumerable branches into which these vessels divide. 
As it passes through the liver, a fluid is secreted from it, 
called the hile^ probably a kind of excrement, the contin- 
uance of which in the blood would be injurious, but 
which, at the same time, answers a peculiar purpose in 
the process of digestion, that will be presently described. 

The bile thus secreted flows into the intestines, and 
enters the duodenum through an orifice. In the horse, 
it flows into the intestines as fast as it is secreted or sep- 
arated from the blood ; but in cattle, a portion of it, 
probably a comparatively small portion, is received into 
a reservoir, the gall-bladder^ where it is retained until 
needed for the purpose of digestion. While the ox is 
grazing or asleep, there is no necessity for the whole of 
the bile to run on into the intestines, but a part of it 
accumulates in the gall-bladder. While it is retained 
there, it undergoes some change ; part of the water 
which it contains is absorbed, and the residue becomes 
thickened, and more effective in its operation ; and when 
the animal begins to ruminate, and portions of food pass 
through the fourth and true stomach into the duodenum, 
not only is the flow of bile into the gall-bladder stopped, 
but, either by some mechanical pressure on that vessel, 
which no one has yet explained, or, more probably, by 



LYMPHATITIS. 335 

the sympathy which exists among all the organs of 
digestion, and the influence of the great organic nerve 
causing the (probably) muscular coat of the vessel to 
contract, the bile flows out of its reservoir, and proceeds 
to its ultimate destination, along with the portion which 
continues to run directly from the liver into the intes- 
tine, through the medium of the hepatic duct. This 
pear-shaped reservoir, the gall-bladder, is placed in a 
depression in the posterior face of the liver, and adheres 
to it by means of a delicate cellular texture. The con- 
straction of this vessel deserves attention. It has the 
same external peritoneal coat with the viscera generally ; 
beneath is a thicker coat, evidently composed of cellular 
substance, in which no muscular fibres have yet been 
demonstratively traced, but in which they may well be 
conceived to exist, and in which, doubtless, they do 
exist, in order to enable the gall-bladder to contract and 
expel its contents. The inner coat is a very singular 
one. It has not precisely the honeycomb cells of the 
reticulum in miniature, but it is divided into numerous 
cells of very irregular and different shapes, in the base 
of which, as in the cells of the reticulum, are minute 
follicular glands, that secrete .a mucous fluid to defend 
the internal surface of the gall-bladder from the acrimo- 
ny of the bile which it contains. 



9. — Lymphatitis, or Weed. 

IN HORSES. 

Weed is one of the common names for a rather fre- 
quent disease in horses, consisting of inflammation of 
the lymphatic vessels and glands of the legs, especially 



336 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

a hind one. It is most frequently observed in cart- 
horses, and is caused indirectly by errors of feeding, and 
directly by injuries, exposure of the legs to damp and 
cold, etc. I have noticed that many horses are attacked 
on a Monday morning, after the previous day's rest. 

Usually, the attack comes on suddenly with a shiver- 
ing fit, followed by feverishness — quick pulse and 
breathing, hot, dry mouth, etc. The affected leg is 
raised from the ground, and the horse frequently looks 
round to it, as if to tell where his pain is. The leg, on 
examination, is found to be hot, swollen, and tender to 
the touch. On the inner side of the thigh and leg we 
discover a hard, painful, cord-like enlargement along 
the course of the lymphatic vessels, with here and there 
several enlarged glands or valves in these vessels. The 
swelling of the vessels and leg begins in the groin, at 
the bend of the thigh, and gradually creeps downwards 
along the inner surface of the leg, as far as the hock- 
joint, or even to the fetlock. The tumefaction of the 
leg pits on pressure, and in severe cases an amber-colored 
fluid oozes out from the skin, and stands in drops on 
the hair. One attack predisposes to subsequent ones, 
and the leg is left permanently enlarged. 

Treatment. 

I have treated many cases of both these diseases, and 
at the time I write have just seen several improve 
rapidly. Several remedies have been employed, but of 
late I rely exclusively on Kali Bichrornicum^ 20 drops 
every three hours. I also cause Kali Bichrom. Lotion 
to be rubbed in, night and morning. In some cases, I 
first give a few 20 drop doses of Aconite, 






mm 



i'lii 



^ 1 



1, Great metacarpal bone. 

2, Outer small metactirpal or splint bone. 

3, Inner small motucari)al or splint bone. 

4, 4, Sesamoid boujs. 



•FOOT ROT IN SHEEP. 837 

10.— Cellulitis. 

This disease is often confounded with weed, from 
which it may be distinguished by the absence of the 
enlarged vessels, valves, and glands in the inside of the 
thigh ; by the swelling first appearing in the fetlock and 
extending upwards to the hock, sometimes to the thigh ; 
by its attacking equally any leg ; and by the skin break- 
ing at the most prominent part of the swelling, and giv- 
ing vent to a large quantity of foul matter. A slough 
is cast out from the opening, and a deep, unhealthy 
ulcer remains. At the same time, the animal is fever- 
ish and his breathing is quickened ; the faeces hard and 
coated with mucus. The leg is excessively painful to 
the touch, and frequently so hard that the swelling does 
not pit on pressure with the finger. One attack, like 
weed, predisposes to subsequent ones, and the leg is left 
permanently thickened. 

Treatment. 

I give a few doses of Aconite^ 20 drops every three 
hours. Then Kali BichroTnicum and Carbolic Acid as 
directed for weed ; also rubbing in the lotion of the 
same drug. The result is rapid recovery. 



11.— Foot Rot in Sheep.* 

On swampy, spongy soils sheep are particularly liable 
to this disease, which, though exclusively almost local, 
is one of the most severe and even revolting character 



* Pigs are alBomore or Icbs liable to this disease, with very aiialoji^ous ehanic- 
terlsticH. 



338 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

If sheep be transplanted from firm, dry, upland soils to 
deep, low, saturated marsh lands, they will be still more 
likely to suffer. Foot rot is communicated by contagion, 
that is, by poisoning with the discharge. 

Symptoms. — The reversion of the outer edge of the 
crust upon the sole generally, or on one side only ; symp- 
toms affecting the fore feet in particular, with more or 
less rapid progress, sometimes returning from time to 
time ; symptoms affecting one or more of the feet simul- 
taneously, and sometimes finally attended with unac- 
countable lameness, and tenderness of the foot, and soft- 
ening of the horn ; detachment of parts of the horn ; 
parting of the crust from the sole ; fissures, and dislodg- 
ment of the crust and horn, generally exposing the 
quick, and for some time the continual reformation of a 
horny coating ; enlargement of the coronet ; ulceration of 
various parts of the foot, discharging thin but offensive 
matter; proud-flesh developed by the ulceration; the 
inflammatoiy and suppurative process varies in the period 
of development ; sometimes ajDpearing immediately, and 
sometimes slowly provoked by the irritating causes con- 
nected with the growth of the crust ; separation of the 
coronet and hoof; heat, swelling, inflammation, and 
ulceration of the interstices of the foot ; oily, fatty dis- 
charge, concreting with dirt, over the whole of the foot ; 
gradual detachment of the hoof by the internal ulcera- 
tive process ; the pasterns are affected, and become raw ; 
there is general swelling of all adjacent parts : more or 
less constitutional disturbance ensues. 

The great importance of this disease requires a fuller 
account of its milder and severer forms, which we quote 
from Gunther. 



FOOT EOT IN SHEEP. ' 339 

The mild foot rot of sheep, usually associated with 
Stomacace or ulceration of the mouth, gradually extends 
to entire flocks. It commonly begins with fever, more 
or less violent, which sometimes continues during the 
course of the disease, and is recognized by symptoms, 
of which the principal are the following : The animal of 
a sudden becomes sad, and limps or one or more feet ; 
there are heat, redness, and swelling of the feet, chiefly 
at the interdigital space, and on the coronet. At a later 
period the inflamed points are ulcerated, and on the 
cushion appear vesicles, which at first secrete a fluid 
clear as water, and pus at a subsequent period. The 
disease progresses with great rapidity. It generally dis- 
appears of its own accord in a few days. In order to 
accelerate the cure, however, and render it more certain, 
the foot is to be washed frequently with warm water, 
the superfluous horn is to be removed when it projects 
or is in any way altered, and Arnica is to be employed 
internally and externally. 

Malignant foot rot is known by the following indica- 
tions : The animal begins to limp, sometimes at first in 
one of the fore legs or hind legs ; sometimes in the two 
fore legs and two hind legs, until the whole four are 
affected. The diseased foot is hot and a little swollen ; 
the clefts are separated a little more from each other than 
in the healthy state. The skin of the interdigital space 
is red, and exudes a fluid of a bad odor ; this fluid grad- 
ually assumes the appearance of ichor, which not only 
inflames and excoriates the surrounding integuments, 
but becomes effused also behind the horny wall, which is 
separated in part or entirely from the living parts ; some- 
times even the integuments, tendons, and the very bones 



840 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

are involved. The animal, then incapable of walking, 
moves along on its knees, or remains lying down, and 
wastes away gradually, though retaining generally a good 
appetite. This form is very contagious, so that when 
the sheep just attacked is not removed away from the 
flock, all the others soon become affected. To propa- 
gate the disease, it is quite sufficient that a flock should 
pass over a place which has a little before been walked 
over by a diseased sheep. 

Treatment. 

In the milder form, and in the earlier stage, as soon as 
limping is observed, the animal should be examined, and 
if there be any signs of the separation, especially of the 
crust from the sole, or of the coronet from the horn, the 
first prevention will consist in providing the animal so 
aff"ected with a separate inclosure, lest others be infected, 
and in carefully removing all dirt which may have been 
introduced into the fissures, after which the following 
local application will, with proper precautions, generally 
prove sufficient to arrest any further progress of the dis- 
ease. 

For an application to the foot, use tour parts oil of tar 
and one part oil of vitriol^ applied with a small swab or 
brush, after cleaning off the foot and cutting away the 
dead hoof If this should fall, use Butter of Antimony. 

Tincture of Calendula^ constituting a lotion, by the 
admixture of four parts of water to one of the tincture, 
should be applied to the parts every three hours for 
the first day, and three times in the course of the sec- 
ond. Twelve hours should then be allowed to elapse 



FOOT EOT IN SHEEP. 341 

before constitutional treatment is adopted, when resort 
to Carbolic Acid lotion. 

In the severer form, the diseased part must be scraped 
to the quick with a sharp knife. It has been advised by 
Gunther to bathe the wound and ulcer with salt water 
and dilute Nitric Acid; and by others to employ, when 
the ulceration is more extended and the disease very 
malignant, the stronger dilutions of Arsenicum causti- 
cum and Ammonia, But we are quite sure that the 
dilute Carbolic acid] one part to forty of water, will do 
much more good, and advise to use this in preference to 
all other local applications in this disorder. Eelapses, 
which may result from want of sufficient thoroughness 
in the paring, cleansing, and bathing with the medicated 
lotion, must be treated as at first. And for a considera- 
ble period after apparent recovery the affected animals 
should still be retained in inclosures by themselves. 

The internal medication should consist in the adminis- 
tration of Arsenicum^ Nitric acid^ or Ammonium causti- 
cum^^ according to the other symptoms and condition 
of the patient. 

Dose. — The selected remedy should be given in six-drop doses 
once in three hours J when improvement appears, once in four 
hours. 
The diet should be nourishing but not stimulating, 
such as mashes and boiled vegetables. 

The local applications must be repeated at intervals of 
three or four hours. 



* If pref ( rred, one dram of the strong solution of Carbolic acid may bo placed 
in a quart bottle, and one pint of water gradually added, ishaking the whole vio- 
lently with each successive addition, and of this mixture one tablesi)oonful may 
be given every two hours in cases of malignant foot rot, in conjunction with the 
external use of this antiseptic, as already laid down. 



842 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

12.— Navicular Disease, Groggy Lameness. 

Many obscure cases of lameness in horses are caused 
by disease of the navicular bone, and strain of the flex- 
or tendon that passes over it to be inserted into the bot- 
tom of the coffin bone. This navicular bone (a sort of 
large sesamoid bone) is placed behind and beneath the 
lower pastern bone, and behind and above the head of 
the coffin bone. 

The symptoms of navicular disease in confirmed cases 
are very peculiar. In the stable it is indicated by the horse 
standing: either with his le^^s straio:ht out and bearing^ his 
w^eight on his toe (the heel being raised off* the ground) ; 
or by the fetlock being flexed, whilst the toe is drawn 
back and stuck into the ground. In action it is mani- 
fested by the animal treading chiefly on his toes, and 
consequently digging them in the ground. When the 
horse has been shod a week, the extra wear thus occa- 
sioned will have made itself perceptible on the toe of 
the shoe. The object of the horse in all these peculiar 
positions and motions is to avoid putting weight on the 
back part of the foot, which is the seat of the disease. 

In cases of long standing, the inside quarter of the 
foot will become straighter, and there will be small, cir- 
cular ridges on that part of the hoof The horn of the 
sole will also be found to be increased in quantity, and 
the foot and the sole will be more concave than natural. 
From saving of the back part of the foot and consequent 
absence of pressure on the frog, thrushes will probably 
make their appearance. Navicular disease may and 
very often does appear in good, open feet, but gradually 
the above changes will take place. Tenderness will be 



NAVICULAR DISEASE. 343 

evinced on the application of concussion to the heels, or 
at the point of the frog. A farther test may be applied 
by bending up the foot and applying pressure by the 
thumb to the hollow of the heel. The seat of the dis- 
ease will be nearly under the thumb. 

The lameness is most apparent, when the horse first 
comes out of the stable. It decreases with exercise. 
Nevertheless, on the day after severe work, the horse 
will be more lame than usual. In doubtful cases, there- 
fore, the animal should be subjected to strong work, and 
examined again on the following day. 

Treatment. 

The cure of navicular disease, according to Youatfc, is 
difficult and uncertain. But the homoeopathic remedies 
show here to great advantage, both for the disease of the 
bone (of which the cartilage may be ulcerated, and the 
bone itself carious), and of the ligament which plays 
over it. Only where such ulceration has already given 
rise to adhesions and other permanent disorganizations, 
the medicines can have little effect. Perfect rest must 
be enjoined. Inflammation, shown by the heat of the 
foot, must be removed by repeated doses of Aconite; 
give ten drops every four hours. 

Rhus tox. should be given in similar doses, whenever 
there is reason to suspect a strain or other injury of the 
flexor tendon. Many cases of lameness in horses, whose 
proper origin and seat and cause even remain unknown, 
are permanently cured b}^ this invaluable remedy. 

Acidum Phosplioricum may be required when there is 
reason to suspect inflammation of the cartilages. Silicea 
is indispensable in most cases of advanced navicular dis- 



344 



DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 



ease ; this remedy, with Pliosplioric Acid^ may remove 
the difficulty, even after ulceration of the cartilage and 
caries of the bone have occurred. 

Antimoniuin cruduvi and Sulphur have also been 
recommended in this disorder. 

Dose. — Of the selected remedy give twenty drops in a little water, 
three times a day. 

I have found an excellent remedy for this disease in 
the patent shoe, as given on the plate. Soak the foot 
three days in warm water, then put on this patent shoe, 
spreading it as far as needed to relieve the foot, but 
not more than one-fourth of an inch at a time. Use 
for an outside application oil of tar and neatsfoot oil, in 
casual proportions. Fresh butter, or sweet oil and oil of 
tar may be substituted for the above. Apply twice a 
day, until the foot assumes its natural shape. 




THRUSH. 345 



13.— Thrush. 



This affection of the feet of horses is recognized by the 
discharge of very fetid matter from the frog (from the 
interstice of the frog). Inflammation of the sensible or 
inner portion of the frog is the direct cause which pro- 
vokes the secretion of such matter, and this soon becomes 
abundant and offensive. The cleft of the frog appears 
deepened, and assumes the appearance of a crack. Con- 
traction may be considered both as the cause and effect 
of thrush — in its former relation — by exposing the 
frog to additional and severe pressure, whereby inflam- 
mation is provoked. With respect to thrush, as regards 
the fore feet, it may generally be attributed to this cause. 
The hind feet are, however, still more frequently affected 
with thrush, which is attributed to the exposure of those 
parts to the injurious effect of the fonl moisture, which 
may, from want of proper attention, be allowed to accu- 
mulate at the lower part of the stall. The tenderness of 
the frog in this disease may result in serious lameness 
and aggravation of the disease, by the feet being bruised 
on the stones. 

Thrush as an affection of the feet, peculiar to horses, 
must not be confounded with aphthae, or thrush of the 
mouth, which latter affects various domestic animals. 

Treatment. 

Calendula Lotion^ Arsenicum^ 3d dilution, and saturated 
tincture of Sulphur have been advised for local applica- 
tion. And they are are all capable of doing good ser- 



346 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

vice. Especially the Arsenicum^ when the discharge 
becomes putrid, and the parts assume a gangrenous 
appearance. 

But we regard the Carbolic Acid Lotion^ as already 
advised in other putrid and malignant affections, and in 
the foot rot of sheep, as being far superior in its influ- 
ence in this affection to all others. Bathing the inflamed 
and ulcerated surface with this lotion, prepared as 
already directed, will best co-operate with the internal 
exhibition of the appropriate constitutional remedy. 

Strict attention to cleanliness, and placing the animal 
on a dry floor, are essential to his recovery. 

Kreosote. — 20 drops, four times a day, will be found 
very useful in healing the affected feet and counteract- 
ing the morbid influence in . the system, which produces 
thrush. Very similar to Carbolic Acid^ Kreosote is an 
excellent remedy to give internally in conjunction with 
the external application of Carbolic Acid Lotio n, 

Phosphor, Acidum is also to be studied in such cases ; 
especially, where the inflammation threatens to involve 
the deeper tissues of the foot. 

Dose. — 6 drops, four times a day. 

Give light and unstimulating, but nourishing food; 
rest and perfect cleanliness, with the external and inter- 
nal medication, will almost invariably perfectly cure this 
disease in a short time. When it is most obstinate, 
Sulphur^ or other constitutional treatment, must be per- 
severed in for weeks, as the difficulty with the feet 
may be only a manifestation of poor condition of the 
animal in other respects. 



II 



EINDERPEST. 347 

14.— Rinderpest— Cattle Plague of Great 
Britain, 

The Rinderpest, or, as this Grerman name is literally 
translated, the Cattle Plague, belongs to the class of zy- 
motic diseases, those in which, — according to the former 
pathology, the blood was believed to undergo a ferment. 
It is equally contagious, malignant, and fatal. It is a 
blood disease ; but the blood experiences a change much 
worse than fermentation ; for it becomes infected with 
the virus of the disorder, so that every single particle of 
the blood from an affected animal becomes capable of 
infecting all the blood of any other animal of the ox 
kind, with which it may be brought into contact. The 
rinderpest took its rise, according to authentic history, 
more than one thousand years ago, in the vast, elevated 
plains (steppes) of Asiatic Eussia. And how many hun- 
dreds or even thousands of years further back it may 
have prevailed — the same infectious, malignant disorder, 
although somewhat various in the form of its manifesta- 
tion — is still a matter of dispute. During the last hun- 
dred and twenty-five years many tens of millions of 
cattle have perished from this disorder in Europe alone. 
The following is a brief account of this form of murrain, 
as it appeared in Great Britain in June, 1865 ; brought 
by some Esthonian cattle imported feom Copenhagen, 
and which, in the short space of nine months, destroyed 
three hundred thousand cattle. 

Symptoms. — The period of incubation varies with the 
mode of introduction of the poison ; where the disease 
has been itiocuiated, it makes its appearance in four or 
five days ; when it is caught in the usual manner, in 



848 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

from eight to ten days. Within thirty-six or forty-eight 
hours after inoculation, the blood is so thoroughly con- 
taminated that a single drop is sufficient to develop the 
disease in all its malignity, when employed as an inocu- 
lative medium for another animal. 

Primary and Successive Appearances ^ and External 
Symptoms of First Stage. — When first taken, the animal 
loses its appetite ; ceases to chew its cud ; gradually 
becomes constipated ; the dung is of a dark color and 
sometimes covered with slime ; cows diminish their flow 
of milk. The animal stands in the same posture ; looks 
depressed ; with drooping head and reclining ears. 
There is also loss of the natural heat. The beast is 
remarkably heavy and dull ; hangs its head, lowers its 
ears, stays behind the herd, and when in the stable keeps 
away from the crib. The head sometimes shakes to and 
fro ; if lifted up, it goes down again like a dead weight ; 
there appears also an uneasy, excited condition ; the 
animal acts as if in pain, stamps its feet, frequently lows, 
butts with its horns, and runs away from the herd. 
Trembling motions occur ; the hairs bristle up ; the 
insertions of the horns are sometimes cold, sometimes 
warm ; the palate is dry ; the eyes shining. Eespi ration 
is slightly quickened ; there may be cough, with great 
difiiculty of breathing, the animal making more noise on 
expiration than in pleuro-pneumonia. The vulva assume 
a reddish tinge, of which the color deepens as the disease 
advances. The mouth shows a faint red or purple line 
on the under gums along the roots. 

In the second or congestive stage the pulse rises (from 
the healthy standard of forty-five to sixty, in the field 
and stable respectively) to eighty, ninety, or even one hun- 



RINDERPEST. 349 

dred and ten beats in a minute. Respiration becomes from 
forty to ninety-six, instead of eighteen or twenty per 
minute, as in health. Temperature lowered and vitality 
depressed, characterize this disease throughout its course. 
Exudations from the eyes, nose, mouth, and vulva, form 
with rapidity, consisting of a glairy, ropy mucus. An 
abundant yellow or bloody, stringy discharge comes 
from the nostrils, which gradually becomes white and 
fetid, and a tough, viscid slime flows from the corners of 
the mouth. The anus is frequently highly congested ; 
the urine becomes loaded with blood, and is passed with 
considerable pain and difficulty. 

With convalescence the animal improves in appear- 
ance ; begins to take food and chaw the cud. An itch- 
ing, scabby eruption sometimes appears on the skin of 
the nape or sides of the neck, or on the back. But 
when the disorder takes an unfavorable turn, and the 
period of congestion is not relieved by favorable indica- 
tions, then follow the symptoms which result in death. 
Diarrhoea, often dysenteric in its character, or thin, 
watery, and offensive in the highest degree, sets in ; 
exhaustion, accompanied by intense restlessness, follows, 
and death takes place in consequence oi \he failure of ilie 
vital forces^ which have been overwhelmed in the putrefactive 
dissolution of the fluids and solids of the body. Sometimes 
where the symptoms seem to have been improving, the 
animal suddenly becomes more dull, the head drops, the 
eyes look heavier, the conjunctivae are almost livid, the 
teeth are ground, the animal butts at everything within 
its reach, oftentimes becoming furious, and suddenly 
dies. 

With the following description of the course of the 



350 DISEASES XOT CLASSIFIED. 

disease in a cow that had been inoculatedby inscr ting 
in both sides of the neck between the shoulders woolen 
threads saturated with the secretions from the eyes of a 
yearling calf, we close our account of this malignant dis- 
order: "On the sixth day, short, hacking cough. On 
the seventh day, loss of vivacity, drooping head and 
hanging ears ; rumination ceased ; shaking of the head ; 
gnashing of the teeth ; hair bristling, and skin lying in 
folds. On the right side auscultation showed blowing 
murmurs ; and percussion, dullness. On the same 
evening, eyes and nose began to run ; milk diminished, 
and had a strong, salty taste ; respiration and pulsation 
equal to sixty per minute. On the eighth day these rose to 
eighty ; secretions increased ; ears and horns alternately 
hot and cold ; mouth hot ; chilliness over the whole 
body ; neither ate nor drank. On the ninth day respira- 
tion one hundred, with sighing; left side of bowels 
tympanitic, but normal at six P. M., when the pulse was 
eighty-eight ; diarrhoea mixed with blood ; aphthous 
appearance of the vulva. On the tenth day, pulse one 
hundred and eight ; respiration fifty, and sighing ; 
bloody diarrhoea ; colliquative flux from nose and eyes ; 
body cold, and death at six P. M.""^ 

The morbid anatomy of this and many other similar 
cases is well described in the report already cited, and 
made clear to the eye by numerous colored lithographs. 

Says Professor Gamgee : " Little can be done in the 
way of treatment beyond, etc., etc.; hut all treatment 



* '' If the disorder continued beyond the seventh or ninth day, if the breath 
continued hot and the body cold, and the discMrgefrom the eyes ani nose increased, 
the animal appearing in pain, death was usually near." — From Dr. Lagard's 
Account of the Murrain in England in 1757. 



EINDERPEST. 851 

appears futile^ SucTi is the honest confession of the old 
school, or allopathic veterinary practice. It remains to 
show with what success homoeopathy has struggled with 
this deadly plague. But before proceeding with this, it 
is proper to refer to a method from which, at one time, 
great results were expected — inoculation. The plan is 
the same as inoculation with small-pox in men, which 
was deemed a great discovery, till superseded by Dr. 
Jenner's safer and equally certain method of vaccina- 
tion, or inoculation with cow-pox matter. Inoculation 
for the cattle plague failed for the same reason that the 
inoculation with small-pox matter failed, that many cases 
proved fatal. And this method of attempting to arrest 
the progress of the rinderpest proved less successful just 
in proportion to the greater malignity and fatality of this 
disorder. 

Treatment. 

The remedies which were found most effectual in 
treating the cattle plague of Great Britain are reported 
by James Moore, M. E. C. V. S., and A. C. Pope, M. 
D., the former a well-known veterinary surgeon, and the 
latter an eminent physician, who took great interest in 
practically studying the treatment for the sake of testing 
the power of homoeopathic remedies to cope with this 
malignant disease. And from the reports of these gen- 
tlemen we glean some hints as to the particular indica- 
cations of the remedies employed.^ 

Arsenicum. — This remedy was largely given as a 
prophylactic ; but although it was at first believed to 
have exerted a favorable influence in some cases, and 



^ Monthly Homoeopathic Review, March and February, I «"<<(). 



352 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

possibly to have warded off the disease in a few in- 
stances, its positive value to prevent the cattle plague 
generally is more than doubtful. In Mr. Moore's hands 
Arsenicum proved successful in one case, in which the 
the animal had running from the eyes and mouth, and 
loss of appetite and milk. In another case, where the 
cow was enormously emphysematous all over, except 
the ears and tail, so much so that the pulse could not be 
felt ; when the respiration was 80 per minute ; 
great difficulty of breathing ; the paunch much dis- 
tended ; the nose poked out, and the fasces slimy, Mr. 
Moore saw little hope of recovery ; but prescribed a tea- 
spoonful of Liquor Arsenicalis and the same dose of 
Liquor Ammonice^ every two hours in alternation, with 
perfect recovery. Dr. Pope found Arsenicum chiefly 
useful in meeting the prostration about the fifth or sixth 
day. 

Dose. — 20 drops thoroughly mixed in a little water; two 
tablespoontuls to be given every three hours. 

Belladonna. — According to Dr. Pope, Belladonna more 
than any other remedy corresponds to the prominent 
features of the English cattle plague. The difficult 
breathing, the congested mouth and throat, the engorged 
conjunctiva, the general congestion which pervades the 
mucous surfaces, with desquamation following, all point 
to this as the remedy par excellence. It has been, he 
says, ^' more valuable than any other we have used." 
The first, second, and third dilutions were tried in the 
early cases, but they were by no means so satisfactory in 
their action as the pure tincture, which was given in 
from four to ten drop doses every two, three, or four 
hours. 



RINDERPEST. 353 

Mr. Moore reports a case in whicTi he gave Belladonna 
and Bryonia with success. The following were the 
symptoms: Pulse 72 ; respiration 50 ; crepitation in left 
lung ; the membranes of the eye and nose reddened ; the 
nasal wings swollen ; the muzzle spotted with purple- 
colored spots; running from nose and eyes; the vagina 
reddened ; the appetite and lacteal secretion diminished ; 
cudding suspended. Another case, a cow suffering from 
well-marked symptoms of the plague, such as discharge 
from the eyes and nostrils ; redness of the vagina in 
stripes ; pulse 76 ; respiration 64 ; crepitation in left 
lung ; little appetite ; rumination suspended ; dimin- 
ished secretion of milk — recovered under Belladonna 
and Phosphorus. A cure was effected with these same 
remedies of another cow presenting the following symp- 
toms : Pulse 72 ; respiration 60 ; crepitation in right 
lung ; violent purging of thin, offensive fluid ; eyes 
sunken, and discharging muco-pus ; nasal membrane 
very red ; discharge from nostrils ; short cough ; head 
protruded; milk gone; cudding suspended ; vagina red 
and mattery. 

Phosphorus was equally valuable with Belladonna^ and 
given in alternation with it, in cases where the lungs 
became decidedly involved, and yet there was not the 
profound prostration which required Arsenicum, Dr. 
Moore*^ reports a couple of cases cured with Phosjohorus 
and Belladonna. These cases have been cited under the 
head of Belladonna. The cattle plague in Holland was 
successfully encountered by Phosphorus in the sixth 
dilution. It should be given in twenty drop doses, 
well mixed in a little water. 



* Monthly Homoeopathic Review, March, 1866, p. 154. 

16 



354 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Elms tox. — The chief indication for this remedy, 
according to Dr. Pope, has been found in the muscular 
twitchings which characterize this disease in some of its 
stages. 

Dose. — Same as for Arsenicum. 

Mercurius has been found useful when the mouth has 
been long congested, and the patches of desquamation 
are general. 

Dose.— As advised for Arsenicum. 

Ammonium Causticum^ first decimal, is of service when 
there is much abdominal distention, with heavy breath- 
ing and painful moaning. 

Dose. — 12 to 20 drops in a little water, every hour, till re- 
lieved. 

Terebinth (Turpentine), first decimal, has been of signal 
service in checking haematuria, a symptom which did 
not yield to Cantharis. 

Dose. — As above indicated for Ammon. Cans. 

Phosphorus Acid^ first decimal, Mercurius Solubilis^ 
and Arsenic have appeared to control the diarrhoea more 
than any other remedies, according to Dr. Pope; ''but 
they have not proved altogether satisfactory. In a future 
case I should be disposed to try Muriatic Acid or China, 
It has been a more difficult symptom to meet than any 
other." This diarrhoea must always be an incurable 
symptom in the last stages of the disorder ; then it sim- 
ply results from the final decomposition of the tissues 
and dissolution of vital solids and fluids alike. 

In addition to the above mentioned remedies, others, 
called antiseptics^ such as Phenic Acid (the original name 
for Carbolic Acid\ Condy^s Fluid (a solution of Perman- 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 355 

ganate of Potassct)^ and Arsenious Acid,, in the form of 
Liquor Arsenicalis (Fowler's solution), have been em- 
ployed with great success. " Many of the veterinary 
surgeons in Holland believed that the disease was of 
parasitic origin, and on that ground they tried the Phenic 
(Carbolic) Acid,, and with considerable success."^ 
Later experience, especially in the United States, 
demonstrates the power of these remedies to destroy the 
virus of the cattle plague, externally and internally ; 
but the Phenic (Carbolic) Acid is by far the most effica- 
cious of all. And the use of this internally in this class 
of infectious disorders renders it for them an abortive or 
preventive treatment. 

For further views of the antiseptic treatment of this 
malignant and infectious disorder, see the " Treatment 
of the American or Texas Cattle Plague," in the follow- 
ing section. 



15.— *' Texas Cattle Disease" — ''Spanish 
Fever " — The American Rinderpest. 

In June, 1868, a cattle disease appeared at Cairo, 
Illinois, which was quickly recognized as that called 
" Spanish Fever " in the Gulf States. This scourge, 
previous to the late war, had repeatedly crossed the 
Texan border, and swept off immense numbers of cattle 
in Kansas and Missouri. From Cairo it now spread 
through the interior of Illinois and Indiana, and made 
itself known along all the great lines of communication 
between the West and New York city. It was brought 



^Monthly llomoeopiithic Review, Dec, 18G5, p. 74(1. 



356 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

by cattle driven from Texas, and hence known as the 
"Texas Cattle Disease." But the infection conveyed 
by these animals to the " native " cattle of the States 
through which they passed was vastly more fatal to the 
latter than to the former. Indeed, it was affirmed at 
first, that the wild cattle from Texas, though imparting 
the disease to others, themselves constantly escaped ; 
but this was soon disproved. From the very able, 
elaborate, and complete Eeport of the New York State 
' Agricultural Society, 1867, Part 11^ we have derived the 
marterial of the following statement of the symptoms and 
course of this disease, often employing in w^hole para- 
graphs, and descriptions of individual cases, the very 
words of the writer. And to this Eeport, illustrated as 
it is with numerous colored plates, the reader is referred 
for an exhaustive account of the natural history and 
pathology of the Texas cattle plague. 

Origin, — The causes which originalh^ developed the 
disease in question among the savage cattle owned by 
thousands in the wilds of Texas, it is not within our 
province to discuss. Suffice it to say, in numberless 
instances, steers selected at random from droves of Texan 
cattle, which w^ere to all external appearance in perfect 
health, would present, on being slaughtered, " the 
unmistakable scars which this disease invariably leaves 
upon the coats of the stomach." And the hardships and 
privations of the long journeys which these poor animals 
were compelled to make — unable to sleep and deprived 
of all food, and even water for many days in succession 
— sufficed to develop the seeds of this disorder, already 
present in their systems, into a state of virulence which 
destroyed whole herds, and in some instances completely 



J 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 857 

exterminated the domestic cattle in the regions through 
which these herds were transported. 

Nor was the manner in which the infection was com- 
municated to what in contradistinction from the Texan 
droves were called " native " cattle, the least remarkable 
circumstance in the history of this American rinderpest. 
Native animals mingling freely with these Texan 
strangers would of course receive from them personally 
whatever of infection they had to impart. But in the 
great majority of instances in which this plague was 
communicated, there had been no such personal inter- 
course. But wherever the foreign cattle had traversed 
the roads, or been pastured, or even herded over night, 
their droppings retained so much and so active a form of 
the virus, that all native animals that occupied the same 
ground, even weeks or months after, rapidly sickened 
and the greater number of them died. 

The poison was apparently communicated to them 
through being absorbed by openings in the cleft. For 
native cattle have been known to take this disease from 
being only driven over the same roads which had been 
traversed recently by those from Texas. In other cases 
there is no doubt that the disease is propagated through 
the excrements (droppings) coming in contact with the 
food, grass, and so being taken into the stomach of the 
animal. Hence the stomach, bowels, and kidneys are 
seen to become the primarj?- seats of the disease. The 
rains, which might be supposed capable of washing away 
and totally dissipating this poison, but served to render 
it more quickly fatal. Only the hard frosts which 
appeared late in autunm could effectually destroy it. 
Until then the very grass seemed alive with the plague. 



358 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Symptoms. — The first indication of the presence of this 
disease consisted in increased heat of the body, as shown 
by the thermometer. The natural heat is about IOOq 
Fahrenheit ; the temperature in those first beginning to 
be affected would be 102° or 103°, while in the more 
advanced stages of the disease, it rose as high as 106° or 
107°. And even the internal organs, immediately after 
the beast was slaughtered, would carry the mercury up 
to 106°. This remarkable and uniform augmentation of 
temperature became an invaluable prognostic of the 
onset of the disease; since it could be found three or 
even five days before the appearance of the more obvi- 
ous external symptoms. And this interval admitted of 
the timely administration of medicines calculated to 
antidote the poison in the system, even before it had fully 
developed itself. 

The period of incubation was very short; in some in- 
stances native cattle have died within four or five days 
of being exposed to the infection. But the rapidity of 
the course of this disorder may depend somewhat upon 
the amount and intensity of the poison absorbed into 
the system. In other instances the native cattle began 
to be sick about two weeks after some Texas droves had 
remained over night in their vicinity. 

In the beginning of the disease there is an uncertainty 
of step and trembling, showing an inability to remain 
firmly standing on the feet, and with this a disinclina- 
tion to move ; the head drooping. The appetite does 
not seem to be impaired, nor is there any unusual thirst ; 
the skin is alternately hot and cold ; the secretion of 
milk is diminished ; and about the fourth or fifth day a 
marked change in the appearance of the animal takes 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 359 

place. The abdominal walls are shruDken, the animals 
becoming lean, breathing quick and short, and do not 
have strength enough to raise themselves, and when 
raised cannot remain in that position for any length of 
time. The secretion of milk decreases daily, the secre- 
tion itself continuing until death, and is of a thick, 
creamy character. The secretion of urine is also 
changed, the animal having a constant desire to urinate, 
succeeding, however, in ejecting only a small quantity 
of bloody urine. The faeces are discharged with great 
effort, and are dry and hard. It is not easy to separate 
into any distinct stages the course of a disorder which 
so rapidly reaches its conclusion ; but we give successive 
pictures. 

In the more advanced progress of the disease, the ani- 
mals stand apart from their fellows ; present a listless 
appearance; the head hanging low down; the base of 
the horns hot ; the ears drooping ; the eyes dull and 
staring ; the spine, or back, peculiarly arched ; the hind 
feet being drawn under the body and placed in a bracing 
attitude ; a tremulous creeping over the flank muscles, 
with frequent efforts at voiding faeces, which are gener- 
ally small, hard, and rounded, and covered with bloody 
mucus. In the further stages of the disease, there may 
be diarrhoea, and frequent passing of urine, which has a 
dark and bloody appearance, A fully developed case 
presented the following symptoms : An arched or roached 
back ; head carried low down ; ears drooping ; eyes 
staring, with a dull, glassy appearance ; gait tremulous, 
and staggering in the hind quarters ; the faeces hard and 
streaked with blood; urine copious, and bloody in 
appearance ; pulse about eighty ; respiration, forty in a 



' 860 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

minute; the temperature of the rectum, as shown by 
the thermometer, was 107° Fahrenheit. The debility 
becomes so great, with refusal to eat, that the animal 
lies down, and is unable to rise ; death closes the scene. 
The rapidity with which, after its period of incubation, 
this disease advances may be judged from the following 
statement of the condition of a steer sick only thirty-two 
hours : Temperature of rectum, 107|^ Fahr. ; respira- 
tion, 36 ; pulse, 76; from nostrils, profuse mucous dis- 
charge, streaked with blood ; anus appears dry and con- 
tracted ; faeces almost natural ; urine bloody; the animal 
balances himself by strongly twisting his head and neck 
to the left. The condition of an ox in the last stage of 
the disease, and unable to rise, is thus briefly stated : 
Head drooping near the ground ; eyes staring, dull ; 
horns cold ; body hot ; breathing rapid ; pulse feeble, 
unable to count it ; coat rough, flies adherent ; tempera- 
ture of rectum, 106J° Fahr. In another case, the tem- 
perature of the blood flowing from the aorta as it was 
slaughtered was 107° Fahr. The following description 
of another sick animal, also far advanced, will complete 
our picture, from which the reader will have no difficulty 
in recognizing the disorder, when the first case presents 
itself before him : A four-year-old steer, standing with 
head low down ; saliva running from the mouth ; ears 
drooping; eyes staring, glassy, and dull; coat rough; 
arched spine ; hind feet drawn under the body ; voiding 
bloody urine; faeces fluid and dark; gait staggering; 
trembling (subsultus) of a portion of the flank muscles ; 
great debility ; unable to w^alk any distance without 
falling dowm ; rising with great difficulty ; temperature 
of rectum, 105^° Fahr. 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 361 

Upon milch cows the general effect of this disorder is 
the same as upon other stock ; in most cases the flow of 
milk is instantly stopped. In two cases, which came 
under the observation of Mr. Atkins, a leading agricul- 
turist of Illinois, of cows with calf, the disease culmina- 
ted in abortion, which was followed by immediate 
convalescence of both animals. Milch cows seem to be 
very susceptible to the disease. Calves are not so. Not 
a single instance, says Mr. Atkins, have I known of a 
calf dying of the disease. 

When dead animals are examined, even three or four 
hours after death has taken place naturally from this 
disorder, it is found that putrefactive decomposition has 
already begun. And in some instances it was found in 
the dissection which instantly followed the slaughter of 
condemned animals, that putrescent disorganization was 
already in progress in the kidneys, spleen, and liver, and 
the capillary blood vessels of these organs and the sur- 
rounding tissues were already filled with gases resulting 
from general decomposition.^ From the very nature of 
the malignant virus, which thus begins to putrify the 
viscera even before life is extinct, it is evident that the 
disease itself — the obvious results of this virus— must 
run a very rapid course. In some recorded cases death 
occurred in four days fjom the first appearance of sick- 
ness ; in one in particular, the sickness set in ten days 
after exposure, and the animal died in a few hours. 
Thus it has been considered by some a fever of hut one 



*The following statement of the condition of the internal org-ans of an ani- 
mal examined immediately after death shows that he died of putHd bloat-jwison ; 
''Liver enlarged, softened ; weight, IG}4 pounds ; gall very thick, dark ; bladder 
one quart of urine, dark, bloody ; kidneys perfc^ctly disorganized ; rectum gan- 
grenous ; spleen an enlarged, engorged, pulpy mass." 

16* 



362 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. ' 

paroxysm. This last access of fever, which marks the 
sudden close of the animal's life, is ushered in by a chill. 
And from this and many other observed analogies, as 
well as from its far Southern origin, this disorder has 
been regarded as corresponding to the yellow fever in 
man. Indeed it is by Dr. Stites affirmed that the Texas 
cattle disease may properly be termed the yellow fever in 
cattle. But it is doubtful if the yellow fever in man pos- 
sesses a virus so malignant, infectious, and contagious as 
this cattle plague does. This latter disease may be com- 
municated to horses ; and an account is given by Mr. 
Hill, of Tolono, Illinois, of the prevalence of this Texas 
epizootic among the horses of the same district in which 
the cattle had been swept away before the horses began 
to die. In some cases, the disease had been complicated 
with pleuro-pneumonia. What is quite singular, calves 
appear to remain exempt from this disease. 

Pathology. — The liver presents, upon examination after 
death, an increase in size and weight, and shows some- 
times a " waxy " condition, especially in animals that 
had suffered long with the disease. Sometimes there 
appeared a similarity to that peculiar " dry " condition 
which occurs in long-protracted fatal cases of yellow 
fever in man. The spleen also is very much enlarged, no 
doubt from the necessity laid upon it to become the tem- 
porary "waste-gate to the portal and gastric circulation," 
in consequence of the engorgements and obstructions in 
the circulation of the liver. The kidneys would likewise 
be enlarged, dark-colored, and engorged throughout with 
dark blood. Their functional action was kept up almost 
to the last in the desperate effort of Nature to free her- 
self from this disorder; hence the dark bloody urine 



I 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 363 

which characterizes this disease, and with many people 
gives its distinguishing name of ''black water." The 
kidneys, of course, became themselves destructively 
affected by the poison they attempted to eliminate from 
the blood, and presented on dissection evidences of that 
^'marvellous rapidity of disorganization and putrefac- 
tion " to which we have already referred as attacking 
the abdominal viscera even before death. . . , 

Treatment. 

The American rinderpest bears a striking resemblance 
to that already described as prevalent in Europe at vari- 
ous periods for many centuries, and it especially corres- 
ponds to the form so lately raging in Grreat Britain. The 
more common homoeopathic preparations which then 
proved so successful, as well in Holland as in England, 
would no doubt be applicable to such a variety of this 
disorder as appeared in the United States. But there is 
another remedy, Carbolic acid^ which is no less truly 
homoeopathic to this complaint, and which, both as a pre- 
ventive and as a remedial measure, leaves little to be 
desired. This most powerful antiseptic, given in large 
doses, destroys all ths normal vital germs in the blood, 
and has been known thus to produce death in three 
minutes.* In smaller doses. Carbolic acid has the won- 
derful faculty of attacking and destroying all the abnor- 



* Carbolic acid "acts by attacking vitality iu some mysterious way. The 
powerful action which this drug exerts on the phenomena of life is the most 
remarkable property which it possesses. In the presence of Carbolic acid the 
development of embryotic life is impossible, and before its powerful influence 
all minute forms of animal life must inevitably perish."— Wm. Crookes, F. R. 
S., "On the Applicatijn of Disinfectants in Arresting the Si)road of the Cattle 
Plague." London, 1867. 



364 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

mal or diseased living germs in the blood, and thns it 
acts internally as an antiseptic in the same manner that 
it does externally. Hence this drug becomes a homoeo- 
pathic agent seemingly prepared for this very class of 
infections virulent disorders, which 3deld with so much 
difficulty to any other medicines, since, in sm.all doses, it 
saves life (by destroying abnormal or infectious germs) 
in exactly the same manner that in larger doses it des- 
troys life by destroying all the vital germs. 

The treatment of the cattle plague in America may 
be divided into two stages: one preventive or prophylac- 
tic, the other curative. As the New York State Com- 
missioners observe in the conclusion of their ^report: 
"With reasonable care on the part of stock-owners in 
keeping themselves supplied with Carlolic acid in some 
one or more of its forms, and using it freely on their 
premises, there appears to be a perfect immunity from 
diseases that have, hitherto, carried inevitable destruction 
wherever they appeared. 

" Further than this, the observations of the Commis- 
sion warrant the belief that this same agent possesses 
curative properties of the greatest value, when applied 
to * foot-rot ' in sheep. 

" From the fact that Carholic Acid acts specifically 
upon all germs or seeds of disease that are propagated in 
a manner similar to the spores or fangous parasites of 
the Texan disease, it is not too much to hope that it may 
be used successfully in the treatment of many diseases 
in animals heretofore regarded as incurable, especially 
the glanders in horses ; inasmuch as the recent researches 
of the world-renowned Hallier, or Jena, have brought to 
light in the nasal discharges and circulating blood of 



TEXAS CATTLE DISEASE. 365 

glandered horses the Coniothecium equinum^ a microscopic 
parasite of the same genus as the Coniothecium stilesianum, 
which is the active agent in the Texas cattle disease."^ 

^^Disinfection and Disinfectants. — Carbolic Acid is an 
absolute and perfect disinfectant. It not only destroys 
the odor, but kills the virus of the disease. We advise 
all farmers and drovers, who have reason to suspect that 
their cattle have been exposed to the infection, to 
sprinkle the substance known as 'heavy oil,' which con- 
tains about ten per cent, of Carbolic Acid^ abundantly 
about the yards where they are confined, and to put 
some Carbolic Acid into the water they drink in the pro- 
portion of one part of pure Acid^ with thrice its own 
weight of sal soda, to one thousand parts of pure 
water." 

For medical treatment the following method has 
proved very successful, as may be judged from a single 
statement. Out of a herd of thirty head, eighteen were 
diseased ; nine of these died before any treatment was 
instituted, the other nine were saved in the following 
manner : " The sick animals were placed in a small 
inclosure by themselves. Pure Carbolic J.c2-V/was placed 
in a large, open-mouthed bottle, dissolved in water. 
This was held to the nostrils, and given by inhalation at 
short and repeated intervals. The heavy oil of coal tar, 
containing seventy per cent, of Carbolic Acid^ was liber- 
ally sprinkled iipon the yard where they were kept, thus 
presenting the fumes of the Carbolic Acid constantly. 



* Annual Report of New York State Agricultural Society, 18G7, Part II, p. 974. 
By reference to the section on " Glanders," it will be seen that the anticipation 
above given has been confirmed. 



366 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

The feeding was low diet, plenty of water, salt, and out- 
door air.""^ 

Carholic Acid seems to exert the same direct, specific 
influence in destroying the noxious, virulent germs of 
the infection of glanders and the cattle plague that cam- 
phor does in antidoting strychnine, or Belladonna in 
antidoting poisonous doses of Opium, Carholic Acid 
may, indeed, have been first introduced into medical 
practice by the allopaths, but it is none the less strictly 
homoeopathic in its remedial action, and is very properly 
given by homoeopaths, even in considerable doses. But 
the method of administering this hy inhalation^ which 
old school veterinarians have found most efficacious, is 
the very one for which Hahnemann, the founder of 
homoeopathy, has been subjected to such unsparing 
ridicule. 



16. — Cow-pox. 

Cow-pox is of two kinds : the milder form is Spurious 
Cow-pox, and the more malignant form is True Cow- 
pox. 

Contagion is certainly one very important and percep- 
tible cause of this disease, but the remote causes have 
hitherto remained very obscure. It is to be believed, 
however, that atmospheric influences, combined with 
mischievous food, would generate it in its original and 
specific character. 

Symptoms of Spurious Cowpox, — The appearance of a 



* New York State Agricultural Society Report, 1867, Part II, p. 1025. 



COW-POX. 367 

pustular eruption on the teats, the elevated spots being 
without any uniformity of size or shape, and attended or 
unattended with slight constitutional disturbance ; after 
having become developed, the crown becoming dis- 
tended with thick, opaque, yellowish matter, the exuda- 
tion produces a crust, which, if undisturbed, will fall off, 
of its own accord, leaving the skin uninjured, but which, 
if artificially removed, either in milking or otherwise, 
will leave behind it a multiplicity of diminutive, ulcera- 
tive sores, more or less sluggish, and slow to heal. 

Symptoms of Specific Cow-pox. — It is preceded and 
attended with considerable manifestation of fever. The 
constitutional disturbance often runs high ; the milk 
fails ; the appetite is impaired, and rumination is sus- 
pended. The eruption, like that just described, presents 
itself on the teats, sometimes extending to adjacent 
parts ; it is, however, of more gradual development, and 
the pustules are more extended, more uniform (being 
round in shape), surrounded with a bright red, inflamma- 
tory circumference, and becoming concave at the apex, 
with elevated margins ; the pustules, in this instance, 
first exhibit the presence of a thin, serous fluid, which 
gradually thickens, and becomes yellower ; oozing and 
scabs ensue, subject to the same conditions as the former, 
but which, if disturbed, leave behind them a severe, 
deep-seated, and often malignant ulceration. 

Treatment. 

Where any treatment is requisite, it must be similar to 
that advised for small-pox or variola itself — which see ; 
also bathe the pustules with German Wash, and giv^e 
internally Aiitimoniitm crudara and Thuja occiilenialis. 



368 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

17.— Fractures. 

Fractures are distinguished by some or all of the fol- 
lowing symptoms : 1st. The bone is displaced. Pres- 
sure or weight thrown on it causes still further displace- 
ment. In the case of long bones the broken ends, if the 
fracture is right across, may pass each other, and thus 
the limb will be shortened. 

2d. The fractured limb partially or entirely loses its 
power of voluntary movement ; but by external force it 
can be moved more readily and in a greater variety of 
directions than when sound. 

8d. AVhen a broken bone is thus moved, the fractured 
surfaces may be felt and heard to grate on each other or 
*' crepitate." This crepitation is especially noticeable, if 
the fractured surfaces are rugged, and still more in com- 
minuted fractures. In fractures of an important bone 
there will also generally be twitching of the neighboring 
muscles. 

4th. From rupture of the adjacent bloodvessels and 
consequent escape of blood, or from laceration of the 
neighboring soft parts, there is usually a considerable 
swelling about a broken bone. From the same causes 
the skin, where it is visible, may be discolored, and the 
parts hot and tender. 

The causes of fracture may be included under two 
heads, namely, violence to the bone itself or to some ad- 
jacent part, such as occurs in the case of falls or kicks ; 
and less commonly from excessive muscular strain. The 
sesamoid bones, for instance, are occasionally broken by 
the stress thrown on them by the suspensory ligament. 

In some horses, as in some men, the bones appear to 



j 



FRACTUKES. 369 

be abnormally fragile, probably from imperfect nutrition 
and fatty degeneration. The liability to fracture also 
increases greatly in old age. 

Fracture of the Pelvis. — Any of the three bones 
constituting the pelvis are liable to be broken. The 
most common and least serious of these injuries is chip- 
ping a piece off the spinous process of the ilium, usually 
from the animal coming in forcible contact with a door- 
post or gate. When the observer stands behind, the 
flatness of the injured side is very perceptible, and in 
popular language, the hip is said to be "down." The 
piece of bone, when separated, occasions no inconven- 
ience, and after a time becomes inclosed in a cyst. A 
similar injury sometimes, though much more rarely, oc- 
curs to the spinou.s process of the ischium in the poste- 
rior part of the hip. These injuries do not usually cause 
any permanent unsoundness. 

The shaft of the ilium may be broken by a fall. This 
accident most frequently occurs in heavy draught horses. 
On account of the stoutness of the periosteum and the 
general position of the bone, the broken ends may not 
be much displaced ; but the nature of the accident is 
apparent from the tenderness of the adjacent parts, and 
from the swelling and soreness felt, when the hand is in- 
troduced by the rectum, and also by the crepitation ob- 
servable especially when the patient is moved slowly 
forward, whilst the hand within the rectum is held over 
the seat of injury. The animal will straddle greatly in 
his gait. 

If the fracture is not extensive and does not involve 
the hip joint, and tliere is not much displacement, and 
the animal is not iiTitable, repair may take place. The 



370 DISEASES XOT CLASSIFIED. 

patient must be restrained from laying down, and kept 
as quiet as possible. Xature may and often does in 
these cases keep tlie broken parts in proper apposition, 
but art cannot, from the position of the parts, do anything 
to assist. In favorable cases the bones will have fairly 
reunited in about three months, and the animal may 
probably be sound. 

Occasionally the fracture is very extensive and in- 
volves the hip joint. More rarely the body of the ischi- 
um is broken. In a few cases the symphysis pubis is 
fractured. All such injuries preclude any hope of 
recovery. 

Fracture of the Pastern Bones. — Fracture of the 
great pastern bone sometimes occurs, but that of the 
small pastern or os coronae is more frequent. It occurs 
very suddenly, and particularly in horses with high 
action. Probably the fracture results from the foot com- 
ing to the ground in a faulty position, and thus receiv- 
ing unexpected concussion, whilst the parts of the leg 
are not in the proper position to receive it 

Fractures of either of these bones are very uncertain 
as regards the chance of cure. TThen the horse gets a 
little better, he is very apt to attempt to move his leg or 
to place weight on the foot, and then the fractured ends 
may probably separate again. A simple longitudinal 
fracture is worth treatment, but a comminuted fracture 
is not. 

Broken Ribs. — The ribs are rather frequently broken ; 
and if so, the ends generally overlap. It may be possi- 
ble by manipulation temporarily to readjust the ends, 
but it is not possible by any mechanical means to retain 
them in their proper position. No material harm ordi 



FRACTURES. 371 

narily results from their overlapping; thougli in some 
cases a broken end thoroughly displaced and turning 
inwards may injure some of the internal organs, and even 
cause a fatal result. To prevent this, excision of the 
part may in such cases be necessary. Nature will after- 
wards fill up the intervening space with callus. 

The treatment, in addition to rest, consists in apply 
ing a large wide roller or stout webbing over the part, 
in order to confine the bones in one position as much as 
possible, and thus prevent undue expansion of the ribs. 
The roller must be kept in its place by means of straps 
attached to a collar on the neck. 

Fracture of the Nasal Bones. — Fracture generally 
produces depression of the bones, and the breathing is 
then interfered with. The treatment consists in raising 
the bones with some blunt-pointed instrument to their 
proper position. To do this it will probably be neces- 
sary to make an incision through the skin. The bones 
must be retained in position, until reunion takes place, 
by pitch plaster and strips of stout pasteboard, or by any 
other mechanical contrivance convenient in the particular 
case. The animal's head should be kept tied up for a 
considerable time afterwards. 

Fracture of the Jaws. — The lower jaw is liable to 
be fractured, especially under the molar teeth, where it 
is very slender. After readjustment, splints and plasters 
must be applied to retain the bone in its place ; and 
until union has taken place, the animal must be fed on 
sloppy diet, so that he may require to masticate as little 
as possible. 

Some excellent remarks on facial injui'ies by Profes- 
sor Varnell will be found in the Veterinarian, 1866-1867. 



372 DISEASES KOT CLASSIFIED. 

Partial fba^cture of the Tibia. — If the tibia be 
fractured right across, the case is hopeless ; but when the 
blow occurs on the outside, where the parts are well pro- 
tected by muscles and ligamentous and tendinous tis- 
sues, it often happens that the bone is not fractured 
through ; or the fracture may be merely a longitudinal 
split. In such cases the periosteum may be strong 
enough to hold the parts together ; and if the nature of 
the injury is discovered at once, the animal will often 
recover after a few weeks' rest. It very often, however, 
happens that the real nature of the injury is not sus- 
pected, and the horse after a few days' rest is again sent 
to work, and then the bone at the first strong exertion 
becomes fractured through. 

Fracture of the Shoulder-Blade. — This accident 
is rare. In walking, an animal trails the toe along the 
ground. If, when the foot is brought forward, the hand 
be placed on the shoulder, a crepitation will probably 
be felt. 

The fracture is usually across the neck ; and if so the 
case is hopeless. A longitudinal, but not a transverse, 
fracture in any other part may possibly with rest reunite 
evenly, and the animal may perhaps become sound. 

Treatment. 

The first indication is of course to set the fracture, to 
replace the parts, if out of place, in their natural posi- 
tion ; the homoeopathic remedies for the cure of the 
fractures are few in number, but suflficientl}^ efficacious. 

Arnica^ externally and internall}^, as recommended for 
bruises, should first be employed when the fracture is 
caused or occasioned by bruises or contusions. 



J 



FRACTUEES. 378 

Symphytum should be employed afterwards, and from 
the first in other cases, in accordance with the following 
directions of Griinther : 

In horses. — It sometimes happens from a fall or a 
severe blow, that a greater or less portion of the bones 
of the ilium become fractured. There then appears in 
the same place a hot, painful tumor ; the horse limps? 
chiefly at the commencement ; and when we view him 
from behind, we see the affected haunch lower than the 
other. This accident is never dangerous in itself — 
Every time the case is presented to me, I have removed 
it by employing externally the strong tincture of Sym- 
phytum. I also give some drops of this internally from 
time to time. 

Fractures of the ribs are often cured of themselves ; 
they are treated with Symphytum. When they are com- 
plicated with splinters projecting internally, they are 
liable to produce suppuration of the lung. 

Like other fractures, those of the bones of the nose 
are cured in a little time by Symphytum. Any splinters 
that may exist must be carefully removed. 

Fractures of the bones of the legs are not uncommon 
in the horse. They are discovered by the animal being 
unable to rest on the affected limb, which, when care- 
fully examined, exhibits the presence of flexion in a 
part where there is no joint, and causes a crepitation 
which is produced by friction of the ends of the bone. 
An inflammatory swelling soon attacks the part, which 
becomes very painful to the touch. Fractures of the 
limbs have been considered as incurable, in consequence 
of the weight of the body ; but several facts have satis- 
fied me that with proper precautions we may succeed in 



374 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

curing them. The first is, after having duly fitted the 
ends of the bones as exactly as possible, to surround the 
fracture with broad bandages of cloth, over which we 
are to apply two iron splints, excavated in the form of a 
gutter, so that the one placed on the posterior surface 
may pass some inches beyond the hoof, and the affected 
limb may rest on it. We must then pass large girths 
around the chest and quarters, and under the belly an 
empty sack, or broad piece of canvas, which is attached 
to the ceiling with ropes and pulleys, to be altered at 
pleasure, so that during the entire time of treatment the 
animal may be kept in a state of semi-suspension. — 
With respect to internal treatment, he is to take on the 
first day two doses of Arnica^ then one every other day ; 
then after four or five days, every two days only, one 
dose of Symphytum ; and the bandage is to be fre- 
quently wet with cold water, to which there has been 
added from a third to a sixth of this medicine, in the 
mother tincture. At the end of eight days the bandage 
must be removed to see whether the fragments of the 
bone have been duly brought into apposition, after which 
it is reapplied, and so left until there is a complete cure. 
Up to this time we may continue to use the Symphytum , 
both internally and externally. 

Calcarea phosphorica may be substituted, in twenty -drop 
doses, twice daily, where there is too great delay in the 
bones uniting ; where, instead of thus firmly growing 
together, a callus remains and threatens to result in a 
movable or false joint. 

In oxen. — It is not an uncommon occurrence for oxen 
to break a horn ; the result is violent hemorrhage, which 
is to be stopped by fomentations with Arnica water. — 



« 



CONFORMATION OF THE HOCK. 375 

Sometimes we succeed in restoring the horn by immedi- 
ately fixing it to its place, tying the animial by itself to 
a ring, so that it may not rub against anything, and 
administering internally, first, Arnica^ then, in a little 
time after, Symphytum^ alternately with Squilla, But, 
generally speaking, we cannot succeed, especially when 
the horn has become cold. We then envelop the stump 
in linen cloths soaked in Arnica water, which are to be 
renewed frequently, and we should make the animal take 
internally every two days a dose of Arnica^ or one of 
Symphytum^ if the bone also has been fractured. We 
are told that a double dose of Squilla has also been found 
very useful in such cases. The cure is effected with 
great facility. Oxen frequently fracture the ossa ilium, 
an accident which rarely occasions fatal consequences, 
and in which Symphytum should be employed, both 
internally and externally. If there be much heat, in- 
flammation and swelling, some doses of Aconitum and 
Arnica may be administered with advantage. 



18. — Conformation of the Hock, 

A good-shaped hock is seldom unsound, whilst one of 
defective conformation generally becomes diseased, if ex- 
posed to hard work. 

To know a good from a bad, a sound from an un- 
sound hock, requires some time, trouble, and attention, 
but not more than it is worth any horseman's while to 
give. It is good practice to get the bones of a hock, to 
put them together, to examine the formation of eacli, 
and to feel them when placed in their natural position ; 
and then to manipulate and compare with them the 



376 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

prominences of the bones in the living animal, especially 
on the seat of spavin. With a knowledge of conforma- 
tion derived from handling the bones, the satisfactory 
examination of the hock becomes easy. 

The hock consists of six bones, namely, the astraga- 
lus, cuneiform magnum, cuneiform medium, cuneiform 
parvum, cuboid, and os calcis. The first five of these 
may be distinguished as weight-bearing bones, whilst the 
OS calcis or bone at the back acts as a lever to the ten- 
dons of the leg. 

The true hock joint, however, is formed by only two 
bones, namely, the tibia, or upper bone of the leg, and 
the astragalus. The other bones, though they possess a 
limited amount of motion between each other, do not 
enter into the true hock joint. 

Peculiarities of a good hock, — The outline should be 
clean, rigid, and, in an adult horse, well defined. Any 
puffiness or swelling is a sign of weakness or disease. 

The bones should be large and prominent. Large size 
is essential to strength, and prominence is necessary in 
order to afi"ord due leverage and attachment to the ten- 
dons and ligaments. Large bones are usually accompa- 
nied by large and well-developed tendons and ligaments. 

The hock, when viewed from the side, should appear 
wide both above and below. Strength and size both of 
bones and lig^aments are indicated bv lateral width. 

The hocks should be neither straight, nor over much 
bent. Undue concussion results from the former, whilst 
weakness and liability to sprain accompany the latter 
formation. If the hocks are placed too far behind, there 
will be a want of propelling and jumping power. 

The hocks should be placed directly under the centre 



SPAVIlSr — BONE SPAVIN. 377 

of gravity. Any deviation from the perpendicular line 
laterally, as is the case when the hocks are inclined too 
much in or too much out, is a source of weakness and 
therefore of disease. 

In order to give due leverage to the muscles of the 
thigh, it is essential that the tibia should run down well 
into the hock. A well-developed and prominent os calcis 
is also essential to the leverage of the tendons of the legs. 

Badly-formed hocks are marked by peculiarities of 
conformation the reverse of those we have just described. 

The diseases found in the hock generally correspond 
pretty closely with the points in which the conformation 
is defective. For instance, in upright hocks we may ex- 
pect bog-spavin and thorough-pin ; in over-bent hocks, 
curb ; in narrow hocks, spavin and curb may be looked 
for ; in hocks which bow out, thorough-pin ; whilst in 
small hocks there is general want of strength and conse- 
quent liability to sprain and disease of any sort. 

It is not, however, to be supposed that horses with de- 
fective conformation either in the hocks or elsewhere are 
useless for any purpose. All that we intend to say is 
that defective conformation entails a special liability to 
disease. Again, horses which, from defects of conform- 
ation, may be unfit for one sort of work, may be availa- 
ble for another. A horse, for example, whose hocks 
will not stand the violent exertion of hunting, may last 
for years for quiet riding or harness work. 



19. — Spavin, Bone Spavin. 

Spavin is an exostosis in the region of the hock. It 
is usually found to involve two or more of the weight- 
* 17 



378 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

bearing bones. The inner small metatarsal bone of the 
leg, is sometimes, though but seldom, involved. 

The conformation of the hock generally has been 
dwelt upon in the preceding section. The true hock 
joint consists in the articulation of the tibia and astra- 
galus. This joint is never primarily, and but seldom even 
ultimately, except as a result of open joint, affected by 
exostosis. 

But besides the true hock joint, there are also joints 
with a limited amount of motion between each of the 
other bones, which make up the structure of the hock. 
The exostosis known as spavin generally forms between 
two or more of these bones and interferes with their 
gliding motion ; or it may form on the outside of the 
bones, or partly on the outside and partly between the 
bones. As stated above, it very rarely extends to or im- 
plicates the bones of the true hock joint. 

When from undue concussion, pressure, sprain, or such 
like causes, irritation is set up either in or in the neigh- 
borhood of the above mentioned bones, it is probable 
that the irritation will be quickly followed by inflamma- 
tion, more or less severe, according to circumstances, of 
the periosteum and articular surfaces of the bones impli- 
cated. Inflammation will, as usual, probably be fol- 
lowed by effusion from the overloaded blood vessels of 
the part. In due time the watery parts of the effusion 
will be absorbed, and the remainder will solidify. In 
accordance with the usual rule of nature, the deposition 
will partake of the character of the part into which it is 
effused. In short, it becomes bone, or in other words, a 
spavin is formed. 

The probability of the occurrence of spavin in any 



SPAVIN — BONE SPAVIN. 379 

particular hock is mainly dependent on its conforma- 
tion. If the hock is large and strong, and its position is 
good and true as regards the incidence of the superin- 
cumbent weight, it is not probable that it will be injuri- 
ously affected either by concassion, weight, or sprain. 
But if there is any defect, either in the conformation, 
structure, or position, it will probably suffer in some 
part or other ; and at that point, sooner or later, accord 
ing to the circumstances and nature of the work to which 
the animal is subjected, we are likely to find disease. 

It is impossible to define accurately the position of 
spavin. It varies in some degree, according as weak or 
defective structure, or improper position of the hind legs, 
or incidence of the line of weight, or sprain of the liga- 
ments, or such like causes, may induce pressure or con- 
cussion on any particular part. The greatest pressure 
and concussion, however, are always felt towards the 
inner side, and hence spavin is always found somewhere 
on that side. The most common seat is between and 
towards the front of the cuneiform bones. 

Spavins may occur on the exterior of the bones. In 
such cases they are easily seen and felt, and hence are 
called '' detectable ;" or they may occur between the 
bones, in which case there may be little or no external 
enlargement. These are termed '^occult" spavins. 
During the formation, however, of the exostosis, some 
degree of extra heat and tenderness on pressure may 
generally be detected. After consolidation, the existence 
of occult spavins in many cases can only be divined by. 
the nature of the lameness they produce. 

As a general rule, exostoses on tlie exterior of the 
bones arise from sprains of the ligaments of the hock. 



380 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

whilst those between the bones are produced by pressure 
and concussion. 

The importance of a spavin depends on its position, 
rather than on its size. 

If it is situated between the bones, and especially if 
towards the front, there is always great reason to fear 
that it may, even though small, or very small, interfere 
with the gliding motion of the weight-bearing bones. 
Further, any such exostosis, however slight, is likely, on 
account of its interfering with that motion, to cause 
further irritation and inflammation in the part, and ulti- 
mately ulcerative disease of the articular cartilages of 
the bones. 

If, on the other hand, the spavin, even though it be 
between the bones, is placed far back, it is of less conse- 
quence, because there is not much gliding motion in the 
posterior portion of the hock ; and therefore the exosto- 
sis, even though large, may not occasion much incon- 
venience. Indeed, in man}^ old horses we find that 
positive union has taken place between the posterior por- 
tions of the bones, without ever having caused any sen- 
sible lameness. 

Spavins on the external surfaces of the bones, and not 
between them, are less serious. They may or may not 
interfere with the action, according to their size and 
position in each particular case. Spavins placed poste- 
riorly, and not between the bones, even though large, 
seldom interfere much with the free motion of the hock. 

In well-developed cases the lameness arising from 
spavin is very peculiar and characteristic. It is caused 
by imperfect flexion of the hock, and in consequence, 
the toe, instead of being properly raised, is dragged along 



SPLINT. 881 

the ground. Towards the end of the month the toe of 
the shoe is sensibly worn by this abnormal friction. 

In slighter cases some stiffness of the hock and an 
occasional tripping of the toe may be noticed, and also 
a sort of vibration in the hock, when the toe comes to 
the ground. These peculiarities will be most observa- 
ble if the horse is trotted on hard, smooth ground. The 
animal should be especially watched in turning, when a 
certain degree of flinching will be detected. Exercise, 
even for a few minutes, greatly diminishes the symp- 
toms ; but when the horse, after exercise, is allowed to 
stand till cool, the stiffness will recur, probably in an 
increased degree. 

In the stable a horse, though only very slightly lame 
from spavin, will often drop very much, if made to 
move in his stall to one side, when the weight comes on 
the diseased leg. In bad cases, in a state of rest, he will 
usually keep the leg flexed. 

For treatment, refer to recipes in Appendix. 



20.— Splint. 

As splint, like spavin, generally arises from or at 
least is connected with some structural weakness, we 
propose in the first place briefly to consider the confor- 
mation of the fore leg between the knee and the fetlock. 

The fore leg immediately below the knee is made up, 
as regards its osseous structures, of three bones, namely, 
the great metacarpal or shank, or cannon bone, and two 
smaller bones, called the splint or small metacarpals. 

These bones are not united together, but each of the 
small bones is attached to the great or shank bone by 



382 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

interosseous ligaments. The object of this sort of attach- 
ment appears to be to allow a very limited power of 
motion or elasticity between the bones. A similar mode 
of attachment is found in other parts of the body, where 
a certain degree of elasticity is required, as, for instance, 
between the bodies of the vertebrae. 

In the fore leg the elasticity conferred by this peculiari- 
ty of conformation is useful in diminishing concussion. 
But this sort of attachment, though useful for the above 
purpose, gives less strength than union of the bones. 

Splint is an exostosis or deposit of bone either between 
one or other of the small bones and the shank, or upon 
any of the three bones. The cause of the abnormal 
growth is irritation and inflammation either in the inter- 
osseous ligaments, or in the periosteum, or in the bones 
themselves. 

'As the greatest strain and concussion always fall on 
the inside, on account of its being more under the center 
of the superincumbent weight, we generally find the 
exostosis on or towards the inner side — except in horses 
which turn their toes in, and thereby throw the greater 
weight on the outer side. 

Splints, for the purpose of explanation, are sometimes 
divided into two classes, namely, those which arise from 
sprain and inflammation of the interosseous ligaments ; 
and those which arise from irritation and inflammation 
of the periosteum, or of the bone itself But for practi- 
cal purposes it is not necessry to maintain this distinc- 
tion. Indeed, whichever structure be primarily affected, 
the other also generally becomes more or less involved. 

When inflammation is set up in a bone, or in its peri- 
osteum, an exostosis is likely to be the result, unless the 



SPLINT. 383 

action is cliecked in a very early stage. The mode in 
which osseous material is effused and consolidated was 
explained on a previous page. The exostosis or " splint " 
will probably unite firmly the small to the great meta- 
carpal bone. 

Again, if the inflammation is set up in the interosse- 
ous ligaments, it generally results in absorption of the 
original tissue to a greater or less degree, according to . 
circumstances ; and in lieu thereof osseous material is 
deposited, which, when in due time consolidated, unites 
together the bones between which it is effused. The 
cause of this peculiar effect of inflammation on fibro- 
cartilage, of which tissue the interosseous ligaments are 
mainly composed, is not well ascertained ; but its almost 
invariable occurrence is a well-known fact. 

Though the immediate causes of splint are irritation 
and inflammation in the parts affected, yet the occurrence 
of these causes in any particular horse and at any par- 
ticular time, is mainly dependent on the conformation of 
the leg, on the work to which the animal is subjected, on 
the weight he has to carry, and on his age. 

If the bones of the leg are small, or if not positively 
so, are yet small in reference to the carcass, or if there is 
undue length between the knee and the fetlock, or if the 
ligaments and tendons are small, or if the legs are 
crooked, we may be pretty sure that such defects of con- 
formation will probably give rise to irritation and inflam- 
mation in the wealcest part. 

Again, if the pasterns are overlong, there will be 
undue stress on the parts above ; or if, on the other 
hand, they are very short, there will be excessive con- 
cussion. These effects, though arising from defective 



384 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

conformation below, may nevertheless be felt above, not- 
withstanding the portion of the leg from the fetlock to 
the knee may be well formed. 

Again, if the legs are not placed well and directly 
under the center of gravity, or if the incidence of the 
weight of the body does not fall fair and true on the legs, 
there will be irritation and inflammation in the part 
unduly pressed upon. 

But no cause of splint is perhaps more common than 
the ordinary practice of subjecting young horses to 
work, for which, however good their make and shape 
may be, their young bones, ligaments, and tendons are 
unequal. Farmers, who breed horses, generally put 
them to harrow at two years old, they often ride or drive 
them at three, and hunting men sometimes expect four 
and always five year old animals to carry them across 
country. 

Horses at an early age may no doubt do a certain 
amount of work, and perhaps may be none the worse for 
it ; but the work demanded of them is often in excess of 
the age and capability of the animal. It is mainly from 
this cause, as we think, that we see so many horses, 
whose make and shape are unexceptionable, affected 
with splints. 

The exostosis arising from these and such like causes 
usually appears about midway between the knee and the 
fetlock, because the middle is the weakest part in long 
bones. The reason why it appears on the inside rather 
than on the outside was explained above on page 382. 

Defects of conformation are, however, we must remind 
the reader, in a great degree relative to the work which 
we require from a horse. Many an animal's legs, for 



SPLINT. 885 

instance, which might stand for years for harness work, 
may be battered to pieces in a short time by hard riding 
along a road, or strained by hunting in a deep country. 

Though some defect in conformation, or some excess 
of work relatively to age and structure are the ordinary 
causes of splint, yet in some cases the exostosis can be 
traced to no other causes than an hereditary predisposi- 
tion to throw out ossific material. In such animals we 
generally find spavins and other exostosis concurrently 
with splint. 

Exostoses, not true splints as defined above^ are some- 
times found on the outside of the leg, wholly uncon- 
nected with any of the above causes, which arise from 
inflammation set up in the bone or periosteum from the 
effect of a blow, such as a servant may give a horse with 
the handle of a pitchfork, . or the animal may give him- 
self accidentally, in the hunting field. 

In most cases the splint, for reasons already given, 
appears on the inside and a little above the center of the 
bone, between the knee and the fetlock. Special circum- 
stances, however, in some degree vary its position. If, 
for instance, the incidence of the weight does not fall 
true on the legs, the exostosis will probably form on 
that part of the bone or bones on which undue pressure 
comes ; or if the leg is crooked, the exostosis will be 
found at that spot where the malformation causes 
unusual strain. 

Splints, when fully formed and consolidated, do not 
of themselves, as a rule, cause lameness. They no doubt 
lessen to a certain degree the elasticity of the tread, but 
they do not affect the action in any perceptible degree. 

The importance of a splint is dependent more on its 
17^ 



386 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

position in reference to the action of the other leg, or to 
the passage of the tendons and suspensory ligament, than 
on its size. If it be so placed that its protuberance is 
likely to be struck or interfered with by the other leg 
in action, splint becomes a serious evil. If it is not so 
placed, the mere exostosis may be of little consequence. 
This question can only be settled by actual experience 
in the particular horse affected. A splint in one horse, 
from some peculiarity of action, may be interfered with 
by the movement of the other leg, whilst one in an 
exactly similar position in another horse may not suffer. 
For treatment, refer to recipes in Appendix. 



21. — Ringbone. 

Eingbone is an exostosis, either on the upper or on 
the lower pastern bone, affecting in the one case the 
upper pastern joint, or in the other case the lower pastern 
or cofl&n joint, around the coronet. 

Ringbone more frequently affects the hind than the 
fore fetlocks. The degree of lameness is much greater 
in the lower than in the upper disease. 

False ringbone is an exostosis on the bodies of either 
of the above bones, not affecting or interfering with 
the joint. 

Ringbone is generally connected either with weakness 
and consequent sprain of the fibres of the lower divisions 
of the suspensory ligament, which are inserted into the 
anterior part of the coronet bone ; or with sprain of the 
articular ligaments of that bone ; or it may arise from 
concussion, or from a blow, tread, or other wound, or 
from any cause producing undue or unusual strain on 



RINGBONE. 387 

the ligaments of or about the fetlock. From any of 
these or such like causes inflammation may be set up in 
one or other or in both pasterns, and an ossific deposit 
may be the result. In some cases a predisposition to 
this disease appears to be hereditary. 

Eingbone is common in horses with long pasterns, 
where there is necessarily a tendency to weakness ; and 
also in animals with unduly short or upright pasterns, 
in which formation there is a tendency to excessive con- 
cussion. 

Lameness arising from ringbone (as is usually the case 
when an osseous structure is affected) is more percepti- 
ble on hard than on soft ground. The special pecu- 
liarity to be noticed is some stiffness or want of flexion 
in the fetlock joint, and a consequent snatching up of 
the. foot in action. Some swelling and heat are also, in 
most cases, even in the early stage, apparent about the 
fetlock, and in a later stage increased heat will invaria- 
bly be detected. 

Eingbone, when fully formed and consolidated, will 
produce lameness or not, according to the extent, and 
still more according to the position of the exostosis. If 
it is so placed as to interfere with the action of the joint, 
the horse will probably be incurably lame. In slight 
cases no further mischief occurs than some diminution 
of the elasticity of the tread. We must, however, warn 
the reader, that with the renewal of severe work, inflam- 
mation is apt to be again set up, accompanied witli a 
fresh deposition of bone. 

The formation of ringbone, especially if it appears in 
more than one fetlock, is generally a sign of weakness 
or defective formation; and therefore an intending pur- 



388 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

chaser will do well to think twice before he buys a horse 
so affected, if he wants him for hard or fast work. But 
when the exostosis is found on only one fetlock, there is 
a probability that the inflammation giving rise to the 
ossific deposit may have originated in a blow or tread, or 
some such accidental cause. 

For treatment, refer to recipes in Appendix. 



22. — Contraction. 

Contraction may be the result of a natural tendency, 
accelerated by the effect of shoeing ; of neglect in the 
sufficiently fi^equent repetition of shoeing (frequent remo- 
val being highly beneficial when the hoof is evidently 
predisposed to contraction) ; excess of paring, especially 
as regards the bars ; slow inflammation of the fleshy 
parts and coatings of the bone adjacent to the horny- 
surface ; neglect in providing moisture (by means of the 
pad) to the sole when in the stable ; irregular and defi- 
cient exercise ; with rich and excessive feeding, and a 
superfluity of litter, allowed to remain in the stall in the 
daytime. If sudden, contraction necessarily involves 
kaiieness ; if very slow and gradual, lameness may not 
ensue, or may be deferred for a long time, but the first 
development of contraction is usually attended with 
lameness, more or less severe. 

Symptoms, — Shufiling, or very slight lifting of the feet 
in motion, which occasions repeated stumbling ; narrow- 
ing of the heels of one or both of the fore feet, especially 
of the inner heel ; sometimes excessive hoUowness and 
retraction of the sole, the foot being extended from the 
heel to the toe, but pinched (the crust on either side 



COKNS. 389 

approximating) from side to side, the interstices on 
either side the frog sometimes almost obliterated. The 
animal always or generally stands with one of the fore 
feet stretched out in advance of the other, and if one 
foot only be affected, the foot so stretched out will be 
that which is so affected ; or if both feet be affected, the 
projection of the feet will be alternated ; sometimes the 
whole of the affected foot or feet may be observed to be, 
as it were, gathered up and pinched within an unnatu- 
rally small compass, and to offer very little surface to the 8 
ground ; the retraction and indentation of the external 
form may occur at any part of the circumference between 
the coronet and crust, but is generally more apparent 

midway. 

Treatment. 

Give internally Silicea^ Sulphur^ or Thuja^ and apply 
Oil of Tar and Neats-foot oil, in equal proportions, twice 
a day. Put on the patent shoe, as directed for " Navicu- 
lar Lameness," at page 344. 



23.— Corns. 

A disease which occasions lameness, from the intense 
tenderness of the quarters (between which and the bars 
of the hoof it appears) precisely where the pressure is 
most severe. Unlike the excrescences of human beings, 
known by the same name, the corn of the horse consists 
rather in the softening than in the induration of the 
horn. The horn is occasionally observed to exhibit a 
reddish hue on the spot (of the corn), and it is always 
more subject to compression, but the animal appears to 
suffer acutely from the least pressure. 



390 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 



Treatment. 



Bathe with Oerman Wash^ three times a day. This 
will in many cases be all that is necessary, but if it fails 
to cure the corns, mix 1 oz. Oil of Tar with 2 drams Oil 
of Vitriol^ and apply, three times a day. 



24.— Synovial Membranes. 

Nature has endued the bursas and sheaths with a lin- 
ing membrane, which secrets synovia, a fluid resembling 
oil, for the due lubrication of the parts. 

It is not necessary here to enter into the physical 
structure of synovial membranes. It may be sufficient 
to say, that the outer coat of the membrane is thick, 
tough, and but slightly sensitive ; whilst its inner lining 
is highly vascular and sensitive. From this lining is 
secreted the clear, bright, glistening, pale straw-colored 
sero-albuminous fluid, known as synovia or joint-oil. 

When any cause, such as over-exertion, produces irri- 
tation in the part, the synovial membrane is excited by 
the irritation to throw out an increased secretion of oil. 
This increased supply must not be regarded as a evil in 
itself. On the contrary, it is useful in lessening the irri- 
tation, and is in fact a bountiful provision of nature for 
that purpose. Similarly, when a sprain occurs in the 
ligaments of a joint or in a tendon, an increased secre- 
tion of synovia is poured forth with the same object. 

The liability to the occurrence of such causes is of 
course greatly dependent on the conformation of the 
animal. Upright shoulders, fetlocks, or hocks, and all 



DISEASE OF THE HORNS. 391 

otlier points of conformation whicli do not give due elas- 
ticity to the frame in action, are also liable to cause bur- 
sal enlargements. 

Chronic inflammation of the joints, which is often 
found as a result of pneumonia, influenza, and some- 
times of general debility, is another common cause. 

Though overwork, sprain, faulty conformation, or 
chronic inflammation of the joints may be set down as 
the usual causes of bursal enlargements, yet they some- 
times occur without any such violent exciting causes, 
and can then only be attributed either to a special irrita- 
bility of the synovial membrane, on account of which it 
is excited to increased action on very slight provocation, 
or to weakness of the coats of the bloodvessels of the 
membrane, through which an undue effusion takes place. 



25. — Disease of the Horns. 

Disease of the horns is very common among cattle. 
The pith of the horn becomes festered, producing what 
is commonly called Hollow Horn — Festered Horn, or 
Horn Ail. 

Symptoms, — The beast appears stupid and languid, 
refusing food ; the eyes have a glassy appearance ; the 
horn is very cold ; the skin of the back and lymphatics 
becomes firmly contracted to the back and loins ; that be- 
comes firmly settled to the back. Taking one hand hold 
of the end of the tail and the other above, you will often 
find it has become hollow, or soft, as if nothing but the 
skin held the brush of the tail to the bone. 



392 DISEASES NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Treatment. 

For internal application give Belladonna and Oelsemi- 
num^ every hour, alternately, in 20 drop doses. For out- 
side, wind the horns with a woolen cloth, tying it very 
tight at the base, then turn scalding water on to the 
horns. Take two tablepoonsfuls of vinegar, one tea- 
spoonful each of pepper and salt. Mix and pour in the 
ear If a cure is not effected in a few days, repeat the 
dose. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 
REARING OF SHEEP, SWINE AND POULTRY- 



1.— The Various Breeds of Sheep, and their 
Productive Merits. 

The universal adoption and usefulness of the sheep as 
regards the necessities of mankind, cannot be better 
exemplified than by a glance at the universality of its 
location. Next to mankind, there is no living thing 
which is so universally domesticated, and so abundantly 
cultivated, as the sheep, or which has continued to 
engross the attention alike of the wandering hordes of 
semi-barbarous people, of every nationality, and of the 
most refined of civilized communities, as the sheep has 
done. The dog may, perhaps, be said to be as univer- 
sally the companion, assistant, and favorite of man, but 
dogs are certainly not reared and nurtured in such 
numbers. 

Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, all number their 
various breeds of sheep, each being more or less adapted 
to climate, circumstances, and locality. In Europe there 
are about twenty-five varieties, which are again sub- 
divided into a multiplicity of local breeds. Those in 



394 REARING OF SHEEP. 

the eastern and southern provinces of Russia (which also 
include some of the Asiatic breeds,) are famous for the 
delicate texture of the wool, which they yield abun- 
dantly. The Spanish sheep, which are short-wooled 
sheep^ particularly those known by the distinctive name 
of Merinos, are unrivaled for the exquisite fineness, 
thickness, closeness, and abundance of their wool. The 
sheep of France include a great number of varieties, of 
which those of the northwest, towards the Flemish fron- 
tiers and the English coast, yield the largest quantity 
and the best quality of meat and wool, but they are by 
no means of a very superior class. The Saxon sheep, 
also short-wooled, which are Spanish sheep transplanted 
into Saxony, and which have served to improve the 
stock of the neighboring countries, especially to the 
extreme southeast of Germany, rank first in the world 
for the quality and abundance of their wool. 

To these last may be added in succession, as to the 
comparative value of the wool (amongst the European 
breeds), those of Austria and its dependencies, of Wal- 
lachia and the adjacent provinces. The English breeds, 
such as they are actually, we shall presently have occa- 
sion to notice more at large, and shall therefore withhold 
any further remark in this place. Amongst the Asiatic 
breeds we notice more particularly the sheep of the Dec- 
can, remarkable for good qualities of flesh, as well as 
for fineness of wool ; those of Persia generally, and of 
Kirman in particular, which yield a wool of peculiarly 
fine and delicate fibre ; and those of Thibet , which pos- 
sess no mean qualifications in respect of flesh, and the 
wool of which, like that of the Persian breeds, is of 
particularly delicate fibre. 



DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP. 395 

Amongst those of the British Colonies, exclusively of 
a few West Indian sheep, and exclusive of those of Can- 
ada, we have those of Australia, New South Wales, 
Van Diemen's Land, &c., which, although they have not. 
until very recently, sent home to the mother country 
any wools of very high price, have been progressively 
improving as the colonies have been developed, and 
begin to constitute a very important feature in British 
commerce. 

Besides the sheep of Canada, North America pro- 
duces a few varieties of sheep, partly indigenous, and 
partly transplanted from England and elsewhere, where- 
by the aboriginal breed has been much improved. — 
There are many districts in which the sheep yield a fair 
average quality and quantity both of flesh and wool. 
The South American sheep, which are chiefly attributa- 
ble to Spain, have no doubt been equal to the merit of 
their extraction ; but whereas they still retain some of 
the characteristics of the peculiarly fine wool of the 
migratory Spanish sheep, they have seriously fallen off 
from the aboriginal excellencies of the breed. 

The African sheep are chiefly of the fat- tailed variety. 
There are, also, other varieties, partly due to European 
colonists, and partly to different localities. For the 
quality of flesh some natural historians praise the Bar- 
bary, Morocco, and Tunis sheep ; some of which also are 
not without merits in respect of the fleece. The most 
interesting, perhaps, to an Englishman, are those of the 
Cape of Good Hope, which by various admixtures have 
been brought to considerable perfection. 

Of British Breeds of Sheep.— Of the sheep wliich 
are geaerally bred in this country, we may divide the 



396 REARING OF SHEEP. 

great majority into two classes, which distinguish them 
from those already described above as short-wooled sheep 
(under the heads of those of Spain and Saxony). Brit- 
ish sheep generally are comprised under the heads of 
sheep with wool of medium length [middle-wooJed shtep)^ 
and sheep wnth long wool (long-iccoltd shtep)^ some of 
w^hich are polled sheep, and some horned. 

Amongst the former (the polled sheep) with mediiiTn 
wool^ we may number the Herefordshire, Cheviot, Welsh, 
and South Down, and amongst the latter (the horned 
sheep), with wool of the same character, we may include 
the Norfolk, the Dorsetshire, some of the Welsh breeds, 
the Heath sheep, &c. 

The Middle Wools. — This great class of sheep 
belong chiefly : 

1. To the mountains of Wales and Scotland. 

2. To the midland, eastern, southern, and southwest- 
ern counties of England. 

Saving the exception of particular breeds of Lincoln 
and Leicester, or even Eomney sheep, (which belong to 
the long-wooled variety) the middle wools may be con- 
sidered the favorites of the British agriculturist In 
such counties as Sussex, Hampshire, Somersetshire, 
Devonshire, Wilts, Hereford, Worcester, Cheshire, Kent, 
and Surrey, we find them universally prevailing. It is 
amongst the middle-wooled sheep that we have to class 
one of the most choice breeds of this country, viz., the 
South Downs, well known for the superior quality of 
their flesh, and found to yield from certain soils and 
with ample ranging scope, a by no means inferior qual- 
ity of wool. These South Down sheep, which are now 
very generally bred throughout Great Britain, have one 



II 



DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP, 397 

great merit which should strongly recommend them to 
the farmer, namely, that they are more healthy and 
hardy, and less subject to the ordinary diseases and cas- 
ualties of sheep, than almost any other breed. Here- 
fordshire is noted for one remarkable breed of sheep in 
particular, known by the name of Ryelands^ which, 
although small, are unsurpassed for the quality of 
their wool. Amongst the Welsh breeds, that of Gla- 
morganshire holds a high rank for merits at every point ; 
there are also the Anglesey sheep, whose double 
merit of fattening easily and yielding very fine wool, 
has strongly recommended them to the attention of the 
breeder. Whilst in the north of England (in Cumber- 
land), there is a breed known by the name of Hard- 
wicks, which possesses great merit, both in respect of 
fattening properties, wool, and other features of some 
importance ; whereas, the most eligible breed of all, that 
which belongs to the Cheviot hills, and has obtained the 
distinctive name of the locality, has successfully main- 
tained its ascendency over the heath sheep or black faced 
hreed^ as it is called by some. The Cheviot sheep pos- 
sess as much as, or more than, any other breed of Eng- 
lish sheep, the three most essential qualities : 

1. That of making flesh kindly, and -consequently 
being one of the most profitable feeders. 

2. That of being thoroughly hardy, and less affected 
by the accidents of season, &c., than any other yet 
brought into the market. 

3. Of yielding a particularly fine quality of wool. 

Of the Scotch breeds, the Shetland sheep perhaps 
deserve the palm. Their wool is of a particularly soft 
texture, and remarkably white. 



398 REARING OF SHEEP. 

The Long Wools. — In alluding to the different vari- 
eties of the long-wooled sheej), we will rather follow 
uniformly a direction northward, from the first district 
in which they are, as it were, indigenous, than a classi- 
fication as to respective merits, more especially because 
these distinctions, in respect of a breed which does not 
vary in essential particulars of productiveness, are some- 
what arbitrary, and because they are rather governed by 
the circumstances, more or less advantageous, under 
which they are reared, and in which they are sustained, 
than by natural superiority. To begin, therefore, in the 
extreme southeast, we first meet with a very valuable 
variety of the long-wooled sheep, in various portions of 
Kent. These have been peculiar to Eomney Marsh 
from a very remote period ; and although the wool is not 
fine, it is generally very sound and serviceable, most 
abundant, and very long. These sheep have also the 
merit of being exceedingly good and economical feed- 
ers ; they fatten very easily, and require but a very small 
share of nursing and attention. They have been im- 
proved by some admixture of the Leicester and Lincoln 
breeds. We again meet with the long-wooled sheep in 
the deep lands, and in the luxuriant vallej'S of Devon, 
Dorset and Somerset. In the rich lands of Worcester- 
shire and Gloucestershire we meet with them once more, 
in the few remaining flocks of pure Cotswold blood, and 
in the mingled breeds descended from them. Their pecu- 
liar merit consists in the quality and abundance of their 
wool ; they are certainly inferior to the majority of the 
long-wools, and certainly to the Eomney and Leicester 
breeds in respect of flesh-making. The full credit of 
the lonor-wools is centred in those of the midland coun- 



THE WOOL AND ITS PECULIARITIES. 39 9 

ties, and of the Leicester and Lincolnshire breeds, the 
former of which excels for the quality of flesh, and the 
kindliness of feeding, whilst the latter is the largest pro- 
ducer of wool of any of the English breeds, but is per- 
haps the most ungainly feeder of all the long-wools. — 
These different merits are encouraged, to the deprecia- 
tion of other qualities in each respectively, by the sys- 
tem of husbandry to which they are respectively sub- 
jected. 



2.— The Wool and its Peculiarities. 

In confining ourselves to the consideration of wool, in 
speaking of the natural covering of the sheep, it should 
not be "understood, that it is exclusively provided with 
wool, but merely that the wool is the more valuable 
product. There are, more or less, admixtures of hair in 
the fleece, as there are, more or less, admixtures of 
wool in the coats of animals whose covering consists 
chiefly of hair. It is, however, the object of the breeder 
to free the covering of the sheep as much as possible 
from the presence of^ hair; and this, as we shall presently 
show, is to be effected by the judicious treatment and 
constant attention of the breeder. 

The wool is, in most cases, more or less improved or 
deteriorated by the abundance or scantiness of on oily 
alkaline substance, called the yolk^ which evidently 
administers to the richness of the covering ; and the 
yolk is always encouraged by the degree of shelter and 
warmth which the sheep enjoy, and by the quality of 
food upon which they are sustained. Where the breed- 
ing has been carefully and judiciously conducted, and 



400 REARING OF SHEEP. 

proper attention has been paid to the progress of the 
animal, and to its protection from sudden changes of 
temperature, from severe inclemencies of weather, &c. ; 
and when the situation and quality of the grazing 
grounds, and the quality of the artificial food, have been 
as well adapted as possible to the habits^ requirements and 
origin of the sheep, the defects and irregularities of the 
wool will be gradually decreased. Wherefore, breeds of 
sheep which are indigenous to elevated localities, and to 
whom mountains perhaps are natural, should be fed 
upon upland soils, whilst the heavy long-wooled sheep, 
which has invariably been found in rich and irrigated 
plains, will thrive in low, marshy localities. Shelter 
from excess of heat, as well as of cold, is important, as 
the wool is as likely to be rendered coarse by excessive 
relaxation, and by the over-expansion of the pores, as to 
become wiry and harsh when exposed too inconsider- 
ately to the utmost severity of a bleak winter. Nothing 
tends so much to render the wool irregular^ the coarse 
being mingled with the fine, and the fibre being of vari- 
ous thicknesses, as exposure to great and sudden varia- 
tions of temperature ; whilst deficiency or unwholesome- 
ness of food will quickly affect the color, elasticity and 
tenacity^ which are so important^ and the wool will lose its 
whiteness and with it other properties, whilst at the same 
time it will become patchy^ and often also insufficiently 
thickened about the roots. The softness which we look 
for in wool will be affected by both contingencies, but 
by exposure in particular ; whilst the intervention of a 
hairy admixture in the fleece, which should be so studi- 
ously avoided, will in general follow all irregularities in 
general treatment. 



THE WOOL AND ITS PECULIARITIES. 401 

The hair is distinguishable from the wool by being 
more regularly shed, and generally more than once in 
the course of a year, and that also more progressively, 
whereas the wool is cast in patches, if at all, and some- 
times over the greater portion of the fleece at the same 
time. But it may also be stated, that the springiness of 
the fleece is comparative evidence of the absence of 
hair, which, from the absence of the systematic coil 
which conveys this elasticity, is devoid of the peculiar 
buoyancy which is conveyed to the touch, upon pressure, 
by pure wool, and which is due to the spiral curvature 
of the fibre. 

With respect to the shedding of the wool, it is well 
known that the practice of shearing has obviated or 
forestalled this process. 



3.— The General Management, &c., of Sheep. 

As with other domestic animals, the first great precau- 
tion which must be observed by the breeder is to select 
judiciously from his own stock, or to introduce new 
blood, in order that the productive qualities or excellen- 
cies of both male and female be as distinctively devel- 
oped as possible ; and in order that both be equally 
adapted to the climate, situation, and produce of the soil 
upon which the offspring is to be reared. In fact, it 
requires as much care, and as much attentive considera- 
tion of every peculiarity in the locality and in the ani- 
mals, to breed successfully, as to rear successfully. — 
Wherefore, at the earliest period at which the excellen- 
cies or defects of the lambs are observable, it were desir- 
able to remove such as fall short of the characteristic 
18 



402 KKARING OF SHEEP. 

good points of tlio llock in general, and to set them at 
onre aside lor fattening and lor slaughter; so that they 
may not subse(|uently transmit their defects to a new 
generation, and thus gradually destroy the value of the 
breed. Besides these general regulations, another holds 
good of sheep, as well as of all domestie animals, and 
one, too, whieh it is the more important to impress upon 
the reader, that it is rendered imperative by the very 
care which the breeder takes to preserve the utmost 
integrity of his stock. It is ever desirable to select the 
ram as frequently as possible from cither families and 
other localities, with proper precaution, lunvever, that 
the interloper have as closely as possible the character- 
istic habits, requirements, &c., of the ilock to which he 
is introduced. 

The Ewe : her Pregnancy, Yeaning, &c.— In 
respect of the period of delivery it is important to con- 
sider the probable advancement of the season, in accord- 
ance also with the average condition of climate and veg- 
etation at such periods. If the locality be backward, 
cold, bleak, exposed, and elevated, the more desirable 
period of delivery will be hiter than in warm, forwaixi, 
and sheltered valleys or plains. The most general period 
of lambing in this country extends from the lirst week 
in March to the close of April ; the March lambing 
being the more prevalent. The period should not be 
deferred until a season when there will, probably, be 
considerable heat, nor should the lambs be the least 
exposed at an earlier period, if the weather should hap- 
pen to become unfavorable, and especially if there be a 
prevalence of cold, northerly spring winds. As, there- 
lore, the period of pregnancy in sheep lasts a few days 



I 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 403 

over five montlis, the month extending from the first 
week in October to the third week in November may be 
considered as the appropriate season for copulation, 
unless, indeed, if it be desired to obtain house lambs, 
when the ram should be introduced as early as the month 
of August. The copulation requires considerable care, 
lest, indeed, the ewes be not in such condition as to war- 
rant a judicious breeder in propagating from them, and 
lest they be ill-served by the ram, who in such cases 
should be superseded. If the ram be inadequate to the 
service, the ewes will continue to follow him, whereas, if 
his duties be fulfilled, he will gradually have fewer and 
fewer followers. In the second autumn, both the ewe 
and the ram will be sufficiently developed for breeding ; 
that is, if born in the month of March, and at an age 
varying from one year and seven to one year and eight 
months ; but the ram in his first season is incompetent 
to serve more than about two score of ewes, whereas in 
his second and third season he is fully adequate to the 
service of a flock of from three to four score of ewes. — 
And no sooner does it become apparent that the ewes 
are effectively breeding, than they should be tended with 
especial care. This condition is more immediately ob- 
servable by the subsidence of the sexual evidences, and 
by their keeping aloof; and as this takes place they 
should be removed to a convenient and sheltered spot 
appropriated exclusively to them, and where they will 
be supplied with a sufficiency of generous food (in mod- 
eration). Good pasture and green winter food are advan- 
tageous, but should not be exclusively allowed ; and 
care should be taken that they be not folded upon very 
wet and sodden soil, but that tliey be removed to dry 



404 REARING OF SHEEP. 

places, in which also shelter must be afforded against the 
keen and cutting winds of uplands. Care should be 
taken that neither is the ewe gorged to excess with food, 
which is not uncommon where sheep have an unlimited 
access to some particular and favorite article, nor that 
she be allowed too scanty and impoverished a species of 
food, nor that there be access for the ram after pregnancy 
has once ensued, nor that she be harassed by the dri- 
vers, &c., inasmuch as all these circumstances may induce 
a premature delivery ; when, though abortion be less fre- 
quent and less communicative amongst sheep than 
amongst cows, and though it be generally attended with 
little or no danger to the dam, there is no chance of 
rearing the lamb. There is, moreover, but very rarely 
an opportunity of arresting the course of a premature 
labor, because the ewe betrays but few premonitory 
symptoms until the process of ejecting the foetus has 
fairly set in. The indications of approaching abortion 
are akin to those already described under the head of 
the " Cow," &c. If the abortion should actually occur, 
the ewe will require such appropriate treatment as will 
be found described at large in the article on " Abortion," 
in the directions for the treatment of disease. 



4. — Parturition. 

All risk of premature labor having been passed, we 
next arrive at the period of yeaning^ or of parturition. 
As the time approaches at which some of the earlier 
ewes of a flock are expected to be delivered, the ewes 
should be confined within a comparatively small inclos- 
ure, and near at hand, that individual attention may be 



i 



PARTURITION. 405 

bestowed upon them. An inner fold should also be con- 
structed with thatched hurdles, or some other material 
which may serve to afford shelter ; and another portion 
of land, with abundance of keep (if possible), should 
also be parted off, wherein such of the ewes as yield 
twins should be conveyed. It is by no means disadvan- 
tageous, moreover, to confine all the ewes, which have 
not lambed during the night, within a smaller and shel- 
tered inclosure or fold, so that they may be more readily 
watched by the person whose duty it is to superintend 
the lambing. This person will then continue to watch 
them night and day, always provided with the means of 
rendering mechanical assistance should it be required, 
and furnished with the medicaments which may be urg- 
ently and immediately called for, as well as with the 
means of marking the lambs, to provide against confu- 
sion, consequent upon the birth of many twins. In the 
meanwhile, also, the operation known by the name of 
clatting should be performed ; this consists of clipping 
away the wool from about the thighs and udder, so as to 
render the milk as accessible as possible for the lambs. 
But we do not wish to be understood to recommend 
direct interference during the progress of labor, unless 
this should become imperative from the duration of the 
labor and the exhaustion of the ewe, because there are 
comparatively few cases amongst sheep which demand 
any positive interference. But if the labor extend over 
a period of more than twenty-four hours, and the ewe 
should appear to sink under the continued suftering, or 
if the movements of the animal should indicate that 
the pains were evidently diminisliing, and were inade- 
quate to expel the fcx3tus, medicinal or mechanical inter- 



406 REARING OF SHEEP. 

ference would be called for. Or, again, if at any earlier 
period it should become apparent that mechanical ob- 
structions to unassisted delivery existed, such a state of 
things would warrant an earlier interference. 

It should^ however^ he held^ as a general rule^ that inter- 
ference IS objectionable, unless imperatively requisite. During 
the prevalence of cold, easterly winds, it is generally 
observed that the pains are less powerful than in a 
warm and moist state of the atmosphere, and conse- 
quently under the former circumstance the labor will 
naturally be of longer duration; and all these conditions 
should be duly considered. The same rules apply respect- 
ing the proper position of the foetus^ and the mechanical 
means for the assistance of the dam^ as those already de- 
scribed under the head of " Parturition^^ in respect of cows^ 
saving that the mere introduction of the hand will suf- 
fice where operations are unnecessary, and that there is 
no necessity for the same application of power. 

It is obvious that, to the breeder, the production of 
twins is an important source of profit ; but twins are 
neither usual nor desirable at the first parturition. -It is 
from the second yeaning (or third year), to the fourth 
yeaning (or fifth year), that twins are generally yielded, 
and are most advantageous to the breeder. 

At the first yeaning the ewe will not generally gener- 
ate milk enough to sustain a double offspring. 

There are frequent cases of three lambs being yielded 
at a birth ; but in such cases it were desirable to leave 
one to be reared by hand, or by another ewe, because 
very few ewes are capable of nourishing three lambs at 
one time. 

In the majority of cases, the ewe is fattened after her 



EARLY TREATMENT OF LAMBS. 407 

foarth partarLtioa ; and this is strictly in accordance 
with her capabilities, inasmuch as the absence of teeth 
incapacitates her from procuring sufficient sustenance 
for her own requirements and for those of her parasitic 
offspring. But when the teeth (as occasionally occurs), 
are not deficient, there is nothing to incapacitate the ewe 
from rearing two or even more additional lambs in suc- 
sessive seasons. 



5.— The Early Treatment of Lambs. 

The first care should be to supply the place of the 
mother, in administering food to the lamb ; and this is 
not unfrequently requisite, not only from the inability of 
the lamb to find the teat or to suck, but often from the 
timidity or temporary recklessness of the dam. The 
shepherd should be provided with milk, (ewe's milk if 
possible), in a bottle, whence he can feed the helpless or 
desolate lambs. It is almost needless to add, that this 
milk should be kept warm, by being carried in the breast 
as close to the body as possible. Even young ewes, in 
their first lambing, when they momentarily abandon 
their lambs, rarely abstain from seeking them out when 
the fulness of the udder begins to inconvenience them. 
Until, however, the lambs receive sufficient attention 
from the dam, in such cases it is incumbent on the shep- 
herd to provide them with a sufficiency of warmth and 
food by artificial means. Where there are twins, it is 
desirable to remove the dam and her young to the fold 
appropriated especially to the twin lambs, as soon as 
possible. And in cases (of occasional occurrence with 
the first lambing), in which the dam absolutely forsakes 



408 REARING OF SHEEP. ^^^i^^ 

her young, we may easily provide a foster-mother, if 
there be any ewe in the flock which has lost her lamb, 
by stripping the dead lamb of its skin, and folding the 
substitute therein for a time, until the ewe has got accus- 
tomed to her false young one, by means of the scent 
which originally deceived her. In cases in which a lamb 
is abandoned by the ewe, she should be folded apart 
with it, (the lamb being meanwhile fed by hand), until 
the dam becomes reconciled to it, and instinctively seeks 
to suckle it, to relieve the pain arising from distension 
of the udder. In cases of the first confusion, occurring 
amongst the twin lambs in the first days of their sepa- 
rate inclosure, constant attention will be necessary, as 
well to guard ewes which are deficient in strength, from 
being drained beyond their strength, as to provide for 
such lambs as may be rejected on all hands. With re- 
spect to the lambS; this attention will constantly be requi- 
site, until they are able to provide themselves with a 
suflBcient quantity of food, independent of the udder. — 
Some will require to be reared by hand by means of the 
bottle, when they pine and fall away, and have evidently 
not sufficient strength to suckle of their own accord. 

Lambs are rarely difficult of treatment in this manner. 
But if, after some time, and after the lamb has previously 
been suckled without artificial interference, we should 
notice an unaccountable falling ofi* in condition, and an 
evident decline of health and strength, it will bfe desira- 
ble to examine the dam in respect of general health, and 
of the sufficiency and quality of her milk, and to pro- 
vide against the ill consequences of any derangement, 
by proper treatment. If the deficiency be attributable 
to scantiness or poorness of keep, it will be necessary to 



EARLY TREATMENT OF LAMBS. 409 

obviate this mischief as gradually and carefully as pos- 
sible, lest the too sudden transition should be followed 
by an inflammatory affection of the liver in the lamb, 
as is frequently the case. If the milk be productive of 
continued purging in the lamb, it will be evident that for 
some reason it disagrees, and the lamb should be artifi- 
cially fed, or supplied by another ewe, if possible, for a 
time. As the lambs advance, so as to afford some idea 
of their future qualifications in the evidences of strength 
and kindliness, and in the quality of the fleece, we have 
an opportunity of making our selection of those which 
should be preserved for breeding, a reason why the habit 
of castrating or spaying very early is an error ; because, 
with respect to the castration of the tup-lambs, of which 
very few will be preserved intact^ it is quite as well to have 
the benefit of as much development as possible to assist 
us in making a judicious selection of the males, through 
which all the merits or defects of the breed are to be 
transmitted from one generation to another. And with 
respect to the spaying of the ewe lambs, from which we 
will have to make a large selection, the same advantage 
accrues from allowing the lamb as much growth and 
development as can be safely allowed before the opera- 
tion. 

The operation of docking, which some breeders, or 
rather fanciers, repudiate, evidently tends to enhance the 
profitableness of the sheep, apart from the fact that it 
renders the lamb much less troublesome by removing a 
frequent cause of uncleanliness. The principal thing is 
to choose warm weather for the operation, but to afford 
shelter to the lambs from too severe exposure to the sun. 
The fact that warmth is important to tlic lamb after 
18^ 



410 REARIXG OF SHEEP. 

docking^ should be a sufficient reason for not performing 
the operation too immediately after birth. There is not 
so much risk of inconvenience attending it in the three- 
months-old lamb as in that of three days ; and, as the 
season is then far advanced, the disadvantages attending 
the exposure to cold, &c., are obviated. 

The most important precaution to be observed in 
docking is, that the tail should be severed without cut- 
ting the bone, that is, in the partition between two of 
the vertebrae or links. The third joint is in general the 
point of separation. When the loss of blood is consid- 
erable, and continues for an undue length of time, it is 
sometimes found requisite to resort to mechanical means 
to arrest it, such as the binding round of the extremity 
of the tail — as it remains — tightly with stout thread for 
a short time,'^ 



6.— The Weaning of Lambs. 

As a general rule, we may wean the lamb at from fif- 
teen to eighteen weeks old. But, inasmuch as the period 
of copulation is very important, the weaning must, in 
many respects, be accommodated to the probable time 
required by the dam to acquire her strength for breeding 
again ; so that, on poor lands, and in ungenial climates, 
the period of weaning often ranges from ten to twelve 
weeks after birth ; whereas, under very advantageous 



* In the majority of cases, the nse of tincture of Calendutais far preferable; 
and the following application should in general be adopted : To one part of tinc- 
ture of Calendula add four parts of water, and bathe the bleeding extremity 
freely with the lotion occasionally, until the bleeding ceases ; or eyen bind up 
the parts with linen rag, thoroughly saturated with this lotion. 



WEANING OF LAMBS. 411 

circumstances in respect of pasture and climate, the dam 
is not deteriorated in her breeding capacity if the lambs 
be not weaned until they have attained from twenty to 
twenty-five weeks of age. The lambs, at the period of 
weaning, should be removed to pasture more rich and 
productive than that on which they have been folded 
with the dams ; but, if possible, there should be inter- 
mediate gradations in the quality of the food; for, 
whereas the lambs will require better independent feed- 
ing, it will also be advantageous to be very careful in 
affording them an increase in the abundance and richness 
of the pasture. The better method of parting the ewe 
and the lamb is as follows : 

1st. To select a new pasture for the lambs, at a con- 
siderable distance from that upon which they were orig- 
inally folded with the dams, consistent in abundance 
and quality with the above description. 

2d. To begin by folding the ewes and lambs together 
upon the newly-selected pasture which is intended to be 
appropriated to lambs only. 

3d. After the ewes and lambs have been together for 
several days upon the new pasture, to remove the for- 
mer, either to the locality originally occupied by them, 
or to some other of an equally exhausted or impover- 
ished description. 

The separation will thus be rendered less apparent and 
painful, particularly if the ewes and lambs be so placed 
as to be beyond hearing of one another. So that upon 
farms of small extent (which, however, are ill-adapted to 
the breeding of large flocks,) it should be so contrived 
that, when separated, the ewes and lambs are at opposite 
extremities of the tract of langl. 



412 REARING OF SHEEP. 

7.— Ewe's Milk; its Uses, Advantages and 
Disadvantages. 

The ciistom of making use of ewe's milk, which is still 
adhered to in some parts of the Continent, requires some 
notice, for the very reason that it prevails ; although, 
where the more profitable products of the sheep are 
properly considered, it will be found that the artificial 
extraction and adaptation of the milk reacts injuriously 
upon the fleece and flesh. In richness, the milk of the 
sheep is almost unequalled, but it possesses a peculiar 
oleaginous property which considerably detracts from 
the value and conservation of its products. The use of 
butter made from ewe's milk is thus almost precluded, 
from its tendency to become tainted almost immediately ; 
the cheese extracted from it is, however, much used, and 
yields a favorite commodity in some parts of Europe. 
Nor has the practice been totally abandoned in some of 
the mountainous districts of Great Britain and Ireland. 

It is obvious, however, from what has been stated 
relative to the method of breeding and rearing of sheep, 
that the habit of milking ewes must be injurious. 

1st. Because, if they be milked before the lambs are 
weaned, the lambs will necessarily suffer. 

2d. Because the interval between the weaning of the 
lamb, and the renewed appliance of the ewe to breeding 
purposes should, in order to render the ewe most profit- 
able, be only sufficient to promote an adequate strength 
of constitution. 

3d. Because the artificial removal of this product will 
renct to the deterioration of properties which are sources 
of far greater profit ; namejy, upon the wool and flesh. 



USES OF THE SHEEP's SKIN. 413 

Moreover, it is impossible to obtain a firm and consistent 
butter from ewe's milk, owing to the oily nature of the 
cream. As in respect of all other products, however, it 
cannot escape the observation of the sagacious reader, that 
the relative advantages of adapting this or any other prod- 
uct to particular uses, must be regulated by the relative 
advantages which may be derived from them in particu- 
lar localities. Wherefore if, in various parts of France, 
the custom of milking ewes for the manufacture of cheese 
be still adhered to, it is because that is found a better 
source of profit than either the fleece or flesh. Although, 
nevertheless, it is very questionable whether the last 
two might not be rendered yet more productive and 
profitable by the suspension of this source of produce. 



8.— The Uses of the Sheep's Skin. 

The uses of the sheep's and lamb's skin, with or with- 
out the fleece, are sufficiently known to excuse us from 
entering largely upon this topic. It should be observed, 
nevertheless, in respect of the comparative value of dif- 
ferent skins, that whatever conduces to the fullest devel- 
opment of the general good qualities of the animal, in 
respect of flesh, and to the preservation of healthy action 
generally, will serve to enhance the soundness and value 
of the skin. 



9. — The Teeth, as Indications of Age in the 

Sheep. 

The complete set of teeth, in the slieep, consists of 
thirty-two, as follows : in the lower jaw, eight incisors, 



414 BEARING OF SHEEP. 

or cutting teeth, (two central and three on each side,) 
and twelve molars, or grinding teeth, (six on each side) ; 
in the upper jaw, twelve molars. 

These teeth, however, like those of the horse, and of 
cattle, are of gradual development, and appear first of all 
as temporary or milk teeth (excepting two of the grind- 
ers) and are wholly perfected as a permanent set as early 
as the completion of the fifth year. 

There is, however, frequently a variation of several 
months in the development of these teeth, according to 
the greater or less degree of strength, and to the quality 
and abundance of the food, and to a multitude of such 
qualifying conditions. 

In the majority of instances in which the ewe is in 
good condition, and the lamb strong, the latter will be 
born with the two central cutting milk teeth ; five grind- 
ers on each side, above (10), and the like number below 
(10) being present. 

Like that of the ox, cow, &c., the set of temporary 
incisors is completed within the first month, making them 
a complete set of milk teeth, twenty-eight in number. 

But the temporary incisors cannot be said to be ma- 
tured in less than from sixty to sixty-five weeks after 
birth, whereas, ordinarily, before the completion, we find 
the substitution of two central permanent incisors, and 
in the course of from thirty to thirty-five months we may 
observe another permanent incisor on each side of the 
two central teeth, making four altogether ; each period 
of twelve months adding two more perfected permanent 
incisors to the jaw, until, at five years old, the sheep has 
completed its set of new cutting teeth, and has, in the 
meanwhile, also completed its set of permanent grinders 



TEETH OF SHEEP. 415 

by the gradual substitution of permanent for milk teeth, 
and by the protrusion of the sixth molar above and 
below on each side. 

The wear, damage, and casting of these permanent 
teeth, after the fifth year, offers but a very imperfect clue 
to age, as circumstances will always hasten this state of 
things. But it should also be remarked that, saving for 
slaughter, the sheep becomes comparatively unprofitable 
after the fifth or sixth year, and at that age, the less time 
is lost in fattening the better, if it be anticipated to ren- 
der the sheep of any value. 

The construction of the grinding teeth of the sheep is 
rather peculiar, which will explain for the casual obser- 
ver the peculiar oblique method of mastication adopted 
by the animal. These teeth are furnished, on the grind- 
ing surface, with alternate ridges and indentations (run- 
ning athwart the crown of the tooth, from the external 
to the internal edge), which indentations, &c., are exactly 
matched by similar alternate irregularities on the crown 
of those of the other jaw, so that they correspond with 
and fit one another. Besides this, the crowns of the 
teeth above and below are matched, in respect of an 
oblique slope, those of the upper jaw being shorter at 
the outer than at the inner edge, and those of the lower 
jaw shorter at the inner than at the outer edge ; the con- 
sequence of which (combined with the irregular surface 
above described) is that in the oblique action of the jaw 
all the food is secure of being thoroughly ground down. 
The age of the sheep can only be judged of by the degree 
of relative advancement of the teeth ; there are no posi- 
tive marks to be conveniently modified from time to 
time. 



416 BREEDING, REARING, AC, OF YOUNG PIGS. 

The difference between the temporary and permanent 
incisors is easily distinguishable in the size and in the 
sharpness, relatively to the general development of the 
frame, as evidence that they are too recent to have been 
much worn. 

The first glance of the mouth would leac^many persons 
to mistake the sheep at four years old for that at "five, 
but upon closer examination it will be found that the 
two extreme incisors have become so much attenuated, 
and so overgrown by the larger permanent teeth, as to 
be almost totally concealed ; whereas if they belonged 
to a sheep of five full years, the whole set of incisors 
would be equally developed. 



( 



10. — Shearing. 

Shearing requires no particular notice, because all 
those who have tended sheep are sufficiently acquainted 
with the operation, and because nature herself, in the 
increased heat of the season and the natural shedding of 
the wool, has sufficiently pointed out the period of shear- 
ing, which varies only according to climate and circum- 
stances. 



11. — Of the Breeding, Rearing, Weaning, &c., 
of Young Pigs. 

The general merits of both the male and female from 
which we are desirous of propagating, for purposes of 
breeding, consist, as in all other domestic animals, of all 



BREEDING, REARING, &C., OF YOUNG PIGS. 417 

the desirable qualities which are so"ught for in the off- 
spring, and which are sninmed np briefly thus : 

1. Kindly and economical feeders, and ready fatteners, 
yielding fine and delicate flesh. 

2. Prolific parturitions. 

3. Good nurses, and consequently successful in rear- 
ing their young. 

In the boar we should look chiefly to construction, 
and to the consistency of such construction relatively to 
the breed of the sows, the locality, climate, and general 
circumstances. One boar, of desirable qualifications, 
may be deemed sufficient for the service of from eight to 
twelve sows. He should be between one year and four 
years old ; and should be separately confined with the 
sows, one by one^ and for a sufficient time only. If, how- 
ever, the offspring of the first intercourse has been 
deficient in any important points, and that the character- 
istic merits of the sows be undoubted, this should be a 
sufficient reason for setting him aside, and for ceasing to 
breed from him. 

The sows reserved for breeding, out of each litter, 
should be selected from amongst the most kindly of a 
prolific brood. There will be no incentive to retain 
young breeding sows from a scanty litter of less than 
eight pigs ; nor should we any longer retain a sow for 
breeding purposes which has not farrowed at least eight 
pigs at her first parturition. No sow should be retained 
for breeding purposes which is not furnished with at 
least ten teats ; all others should be spayed,"^ and 
reserved for fattening. A sow which has once been 



* The general ptriod of castration and spaying ie albout four wet ke afterbirth. 



418 KILLING OF PIGS. 

guilty of rolling on her young, which has suffered a 
difficult labor, has proved a had nurse^ has failed to rear 
her young without any distinct, circumstantial cause, is 
in the habit of eating the after-birth, of devouring flesh 
of any kind, etc., etc., should at once be set aside for 
slaughter ; she is utterly unfit for breeding from. A sow 
which has been delivered of a prolific litter at her first 
parturition (say of ten pigs), and which has proved an 
excellent nurse at that time, and has reared her young 
successfully, acquires considerable value. A sow of 
really good qualities as a breeder should rear at least 
two litters well every year, and may often furnish a 
third ; but no sow should be retained for breeding more 
than three successive years. The average duration of 
pregnancy may be stated at nineteen weeks, although 
there is a variation of more than three weeks in this 
respect, between very young or very debilitated sows 
(which go a shorter time), and vigorous and matured 
sows (which go longer.) Every sow ought to be between 
ten and twelve months old, when first applied to breed- 
ing purposes, although, as a general rule, few sows are 
so old. If possible, time should be so measured that the 
two yearly litters may be farrowed as near the end of 
February and August (or a week or two earlier in both 
instances) as possible. 



12.— Preparatory Treatment, and Killing of 

Pigs. 

With respect to the preparatory treatment, the pig 
having been ascertained to be in good health, and per- 
fect condition, little need be said, except the injunction, 



POULTRY. 419 

to withhold the food for an entire day previously, or to 
kill the first thing in the morning, and before any food 
has been administered. With respect to the killing of 
pigs, the inhumanity of the method of exposing the 
animal to the prolonged agonies of a lingering death 
is so obvious that any modification which could pro- 
vide against this mischief would be worthy of notice. 
The most reasonable proposal is that of plunging the 
knife in such a manner into the throat as to separate the 
main artery. This, however, requires some experience ; 
for very few of the ordinary bunglers who set themselves 
up as able managers of pigs would succeed in striking 
accurately, in many instances, in cases in which the ani- 
mals were exceedingly fat. 



13.— Poultry. 

The importance and productiveness of poultry appear 
to be too much overlooked in this country. There are 
only a few districts in Great Britain where fowls of any 
kind are admitted to constitute a staple commodity for 
the market, and even then this consideration is confined 
to one or two varieties, viz., geese and turkeys gener- 
ally ; whereas, nowhere in the United Kingdom do we 
meet with the swarms of domestic poultry which hover 
about the homesteads of Picardy. The common domes- 
tic fowl, nevertheless, yields two very delicate, whole- 
some, and nutritious materials to the provision market 
— the flesh and the eggs, and possesses additional value, 
from the appropriation of the feathers to various branches 
of manufacture. 



420 POULTRY. 

The common Farmyard Fowl is divided, as it is bred 
in this country, into seven or eight varieties, and these 
again into a series of subordinate breeds, attributable to 
particular localities and the experiments of particular 
fanciers. Of these varieties, some are, more or less, purely 
foreign fowls, which have been introduced under the 
idea of improving the native stock. Such is the Spanish 
fowl. This breed is provided with black plumage, the 
bare parts being also black, and the comb and gills 
being large and very red. The flesh is much in request 
for the table on account of the whiteness and fineness of 
grain which characterize it, and the fowl is advantage- 
ously adapted for this purpose, owing to its size, in 
which respect it is second only to the Malay fowl and its 
combinations. Such also is the Malay fowl^ the largest 
of the varieties known amongst the poultry in this 
country ; the eggs are very large and abundant, and pos- 
sessed of peculiarly nourishing properties — a remark 
which applies also to the flesh ; but the latter does not 
possess the qualifications which constitute the fitness for 
the table ; it is -uncertain, never fine, and has always a 
darkish hue. The plumage is dark brown, with an 
occasional ray of yellow ; the legs are long. As another 
distinct variety amongst the foreign fowls which have 
been introduced or naturalized in this country, we may 
name the Poland breed, whose merits, in the majority of 
respects, excel those of either of the two former, but 
which is not quite so large and much less gaunt. If 
anything, the flesh of this breed is more dainty than that 
of the best of our indigenous fowls. They fatten well 
and readily, and they yield an immense and never-fail- 
ing profusion of eggs, which, however, perhaps as a 



1 



POULTRY. 421 

natural consequence, are less in weight, thinner in shell , 
and sometimes considerably less charged with the pecu- 
liarly nutritive properties than those of the generality of 
our poultry. Like all other fowls, which are constantly 
laying eggs, the Poland breed are averse to hatching 
them, and it is very rarely, in comparison, that they can 
be brought to devote themselves patiently and punctual- 
ly to the offices of incubation. The better way, there- 
fore, is not to depend upon them at all, but to place 
their eggs at once beneath a steady sitter. The charac- 
teristic features of this breed consist in their possessing 
more rotundity, obesity, and shortness of limb than 
either of the foregoing ; in the glossy blackness of the 
plumage, relieved only by the mingled white and black, 
or even by a predominance of white in the tuft which 
overshadows the crown. In the place of a comb there is 
a circle of small, fleshy points. 

Amongst the British breeds, we cannot but afford 
the first rank to the Dorking fowl. This breed is 
easily distinguished by a white plumage of a peculiar 
cream tinge, or sometimes of a sandy gray, with which, 
however, there is no admixture of feathers of any other 
color ; by the presence of a fifth claw on each foot ; by 
the shortness of the legs, in comparison to the size of the 
bird, which is next to that of the Spanish fowl ; and by 
the expansiveness and rotundity of the shape. The flesh 
is deep^ sound, delicate, and fine-grained, and partakes of 
the creamy hue of the plumage. 

The common Dunghill fowl cannot be numbered 
amongst specific breeds, inasmuch as it partakes in gen- 
eral of every variety, as is evinced in the endless variety 
of plumage, form, size, qualifications, etc. 



422 POULTRY. 

The Game fold may rather be cited as the heau ideal 
of a fancier, than on account of any pro(3uctive qualifica- 
tions ; for, although the flesh be "unrivaled in whiteness, 
delicacy, and flavor, it is but a scanty layer, and still 
more incompetent of being reared successfully, and in 
numbers. The Game fowl will be readily distinguished 
by the ruddy, brilliant, and dazzling hue of its plumage, 
by the admirable symmetry of its shape, by the rapidity 
and activity of its movements, the fierceness and intoler- 
ance of its temper, and lastly, by the beautiful cleanness, 
slenderness, yet nervous and sinewy construction of the 
limbs. 

Next in importance amongst English poultry to the 
Dorking breed, we may mention the Bolton gray breed^ 
remarkable for the abundant supply of eggs, and for the 
whiteness of the flesh. It is appropriately named from 
its peculiar mottled-gray plumage, and distinguishable 
for the invariable snow-white fold in the plumage on 
either side of the neck. Theinterspersion of black spots 
throughout the feathers is more or less frequent, and the 
tail is generally marked with black rays. 

The original breed known by the name of Shackhags^ 
has been insensibly merged into new varieties, princi- 
pally by the introduction of Malay bloody as also by 
crossing with other breeds, and is, we believe, no longer 
to be found in its integrity. 

The pure Bantam breed, as remarkable for the yield 
of eggs, as for persevering incubation, besides the very 
superior quality of flesh, has earned for itself, however, 
a reputation rather with the fancier and rearer of game 
(for whose purpose it is unrivaled), than with the more 
mercenary peasant. 



GENERAL MANAaEMENT OF POULTRY. 423 

14.— The Breeding, Rearing, and General Man- 
agement of Poultry. • 

Selection of Breeding Cocks and Hens. — The breed from 
which these should be chosen is generally a mere matter 
of taste ; but for purposes of profit, it is clear, that the 
selection should be made from such as possess most of 
the merits, and as few as possible of the defects, whicli 
are attributable to poultry. The cocks should, therefore, 
be possessed of high-mettled courage, and even of a sav- 
age disposition ; the cock which has not the courage to 
offer a bold front, even against odds, is ever deficient as 
a breeder. The breeding cock should also be of such a 
construction as has been attributed to the characteristic 
formation of the most profitable breeds ; the body should 
be long and deep, the legs short, the breast broad and 
expansive, and rotundity should be selected rather than 
gauntness. Both the cocks and the hens should be 
healthy and vigorous, as evinced by the bright crimson 
hue of the comb and gills. Amongst the hens we should 
combine, in the aggregate, what is rarely combined in 
individual birds, by providing an adequate proportion of 
prolific layers and of patient and persevering incubators. 
We should avoid yellow-legged, or large-combed fowls, 
as a general rule, and we should pay particular attention 
to the indications of age. As breeders, cocks and hens 
alike, of about two years old, should be chosen ; or even 
of three years old. Fowls which have not completed 
the second year are not advantageous breeders. But 
the advantage of selecting a first stock at the earliest 
age, when they are good and profitable breeders, consists 
in being provided with young substitutes, of adequate 



424 GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 

age, as the original stock declines ; whereas, if we begin 
by selecting foyls in their prime (three years old), we 
shall not have young stock to replace them until the 
first stock has ceased to be eligible for breeding pur- 
poses. As the fowls grow old, we may observe the 
gradual fading of the bright redness of the comb, until 
it changes to something of a dirty yellow-red or brown- 
red ; we may also distinguish the increasing harshness, 
prominence, and size of the scales which cover the 
featherless parts of the legs ; whilst the length of the 
talons, and the hardness, crustiness, and dull hue of the 
beak afford additional indices of age. The comparative 
number of hens, as respects the cock, should be as six to 
one. Some breeders prefer even a greater proportion of 
cocks, but we have in general found, that the excess was 
worse than the deficiency, and the proportion of eight to 
one will more frequently prove advantageous than that 
of four to one. 

Selection of the Site, Soil, Conveniences, etc., for the Breed- 
ing and Bearing of Chickens. — The appropriateness of the 
situation should rule imperatively with those who seek 
for profit from the rearing of chickens. A dry, well- 
drained, and elevated situation is the best adapted for 
this purpose ; and when the situation in which it is pro- 
posed to breed them is otherwise — as low, damp, ill- 
drained, stagnant, or of a heavy, loamy soil — either 
some artificial provision should be made to provide 
against the ill effects of such a locality, or else the pro- 
ject should be abandoned. Fowls thrive best upon dry, 
sandy, or gravelly soils, and also upon elevations where 
chalk prevails. Districts which are adapted to the 
breeding of sheep are equally desirable for the breeding 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 425 

of chickens. In the absence of an appropriate soil and 
situation, a spot may be selected where there is a slope 
of southerly, southwesterly, or westerly aspect, where- 
upon an inclosure of strong and lofty fences may be 
erected, the bottom of the fences being sunk into the 
ground, to prevent the wandering of small chickens, and 
protected by the additional sinking of broken glass, and 
other hard and keen substances beneath the foundation, a 
precaution which may serve to exclude such vermin as 
would find means to burrow beneath, to get access to the 
fowls, whilst the upper ridge of the fences should also 
be well armed with tenter- hooks, to prevent access from 
that quarter. The soil should also be removed to the 
depth of two feet or more, and replaced, first by a con- 
siderable quantity of bricks and other broken building 
materials ; and above these by layers of chalk and fine 
gravel, the upper surface being well hardened, and laid 
perfectly even to facilitate the proper cleansing of the 
inclosure. Heaps of fine coal ashes or sand should be 
placed in some corner of the inclosure, whereon the fowls 
may dust themselves. From the western extremity of 
the inclosure to the northward, and thence to the east- 
ward, that is, on the side extending from the east by the 
north to the west, the sheds or roosts should be erected. 
Thus they will have a southerly aspect. They should 
be sufficiently lofty, thoroughly well covered and 
inclosed, and rendered proof against the access of ver- 
min. The flooring or ground within should be such as 
that already described. From the floor upwards to the 
thwarts or perches (all of which should be on a level in 
the upper parts) should rise oblique (not perpendicular) 
ladders, consisting of a number of short rails projecting 
19 



426 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 



from the wall. The nests for purposes of laying should 
consist of a tier of parted shelves or boxes, not less than 
three feet from the ground, and accessible by means sim- 
ilar to those already described for the ascent to the 
perches. These boxes should be open in front only, pro- 
vided with clean hay or straw, and guarded along the 
bottom of the opening in front by a strip of plank about 
four inches deep. The nests for incubating hens should 
be similarly constructed, with the addition of a sliding 
grated door, which may be closed at pleasure, to exclude 
the disturbance of the other fowls ; but these nests^ unlike 
those devoted to laying hens, should not be raised more 
than three or four inches from the ground, so that when 
hatched, the chickens may not be injured if they fall out. 

If it can be so contrived that the side facing the 
inclosure can be constructed of moveable panels, this is 
a great advantage, because for the purposes of proper 
ventilation, the weather and temperature permitting, the 
whole or part of the frontage can be thrown open. 

The same inclosure parted off for each respectively — 
the whole of the appurtenances being similarly constructed 
for the turkey, and the resting-places and nests differing 
only for ducks and geese (for which these conveniences 
should be on the ground-level) — is applicable to all 
domestic poultry. Because nothing will be easier than 
to provide an artificial pool in front of the shed in that 
compartment which is appropriated to the ducks and 
geese. If, however, there is no objection to a separate 
establishment, and a suitable sheet of water be at hand, 
it is not improper to notice, that it is yet preferable to 
erect all inclosures and buildings appropriated to the 
aquatic birds, on the brink of such a sheet of water. 



I 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 427 

Care and Oeneral Treatment of the Poultry^ ^99^^ <^c-, 
for Breeding. — If there be any amongst the hens which 
are harassed and ill-treated by the cock, they should be 
removed ; and the better way is to exchange them, pro- 
viding also against the ill-usage of the substitute by its 
new companions. 

Many fowls seem, from time so time, to have an 
imaginary inclination to sit, without any disposition to 
persevere in hatching their eggs ; it may not be super- 
fluous, therefore, to try the disposition of the hen for 
some days, with a number of false eggs, in order to 
ascertain whether or not she will abandon the nest 
And if she then appears to persevere, it will be time 
enough to provide her with an adequate number of real 
and sound eggs for incubation ; because, otherwise, if 
the hen should be fickle, all the eggs placed under her 
at first will be addled. As hens grow old, and do not 
moult until late in the season, or continue very long in 
the process of casting and changing their feathers, they 
become comparatively valueless, either for laying or sit- 
ting, inasmuch as they never lay except in the season of 
abundance, and then only a few eggs ; and as, moreover, 
they rarely possess sufficient breeding energy to hatch or 
rear their chickens. 

The eggs which are reserved for breeding should be 
taken from the laying nests when quite fresh, as nearly 
uniform in size, etc., as possible, and exhibiting no flaws or 
irregularities in the shell. They should also be selected 
from amongst the full-sized eggs, lest they be those of 
the first season of pullets, which are generally smaller. 
They should not be kept longer than from twenty-one to 
twenty-five days, and, during that time, should be im- 



428 GENERAL MANAG$]MENT OF POULTRY. 

mersed in bran, and kept in a dark and cool place. 
Nor should we begin to reserve eggs for breeding until 
the spring is well advanced, lest there be none amongst 
the hens which are disposed to sit. Being provided with 
a stock of eggs for hatching, we will presuppose that 
some of the hens betray a disposition to sit, and have 
been proved, by the method above indicated, when we 
may select as many as can be well covered by the hen, 
carefully marking them with a pen or pencil, so as to 
detect any interloper (which may be deposited either by 
the sitting hen, or during her absence), and we may then 
place them in the nest which the sitting hen has already 
appropriated. There is a prejudice in favor of an odd 
number of eggs, eleven being about the average number. 
If, by accident, any of the eggs be broken in the nest, 
they should be removed, together with the adhering 
straw, etc., as soon as the fact is observed; and if the 
others have been rendered glutinous and sticky, they 
must be very carefully washed with water of a tempera- 
ture of about 90'' to 110^ of Fahrenheit. . 

The nests appropriated to the sitting hens should be 
constantly and thoroughly cleaned so long as they are 
unoccupied, and should be expressly cleaned and pro- 
vided with fresh, short-cut straw or hay, before the eggs 
are placed under the hen. But, in all these operations, 
it is necessary to observe as much gentleness and expe- 
dition as possible, lest the sitting hen be driven away 
from the nest to which it is desired to confine her. A 
sufficient supply of fresh grain and clean water should 
then be placed within the reach of the hen, in troughs 
appropriated to this purpose only. These accessories 
should also be carefully renewed from time to time, care 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 429 

being taken to clean the vessels thoroughly on every 
such occasion, and to effect the removal with as little 
disturbance of the hen as possible. For the better effect- 
ing of these purposes, we may have the assistance of 
mechanical arrangements, whereby the grain and water 
troughs may be removed from the front of the nests 
without access to the interior of the shed, and without 
abruptly presenting ones self immediately in front of 
the nest. 

Indeed, it might be added, that a separate compart- 
ment of the sheds should exclusively be devoted, if this 
can be effected, to the breeding fowls. 

If the precaution of placing food, as above mentioned, 
within the immediate reach of the sitting fowls, be not 
adopted, they will often deprive themselves of food, in 
their obstinate perseverance in the duties of sitting. 

Some hens have a far greater disposition to sit than 
others, and a few even never persevere until the comple- 
tion of the period of incubation. But, whereas the eggs 
reserved for breeding should be placed only under good 
and patient sitters, these even should be so far dis- 
couraged from a constant disposition for incubation — 
firstly, because they undergo such privations as consid- 
erably to weaken them ; and secondly, because they do 
not devote a sufficient length of time to the rearing of 
the brood. 

The length of the period of incubation is subject to 
slight variations, according to the various circumstances 
involved in the season, climate, temperature, state of the 
weather, persistence, or restlessness, or condition of the 
hen, &c., &c. Nor can we always calculate correctly 
from the period at which the eggs are assigned to the 



430 GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. * 

hen, which will sometimes feign to sit for some days 
before she actually does so. 

Ducks and geese are subject to less variation in this 
respect than farm-yard fowls. The former almost inva- 
riably hatch in a month, and the latter in two days more. 
Hens sometimes sit as long as twenty-three days ; but 
under favorable circumstances, more commonly hatch 
their young on the twentieth. They have been known 
even to sit longer, or to hatch earlier. 

In respect of pigeons, we have remarked an extraor- 
dinary difference, attributable to the different position of 
the dove-cotes. One instance has been most credibly 
reported to us, of four distinct nests of pigeons in the 
same dove-cote, immediately under a slate roof, having 
been hatched on the fifteenth day, or at least four days 
before the average period. The survivors of the pigeons 
thus hatched, amounting to five in number, it should be 
stated, were observed, one and all, to be more tame than 
the rest ; and, as it were, to seek the protection and inter- 
vention of their attendants. Two of them became 
entirely domesticated, and were oftener seen with the 
inmates of the house, by whom they were pampered, 
than with those of the dove-cote, by which they appeared 
to be harassed.*^ 

The Hatching. — In proportion to the difficulty, danger, 
and inadequacy of mechanical interference in the libera- 
tion of the young of animals from their prenatal condi- 



* This is a case illustrative of the deficient hardihood of animals, attributable 
to foetal or prenatal circumstances, and also of the extraordinary jealousy which 
animals in the state of nature, or in an approximate condition, entertain towards 
those which have become the objects of peculiar care and attention, or which are 
petted and pampered. 



GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 431 

tion, we remark the decrease of casualties attending such 
liberation naturally performed. Few animals which fall 
within the province of interference assigned to the reason 
of man, are subject to less difficulties at birth than fowls ; 
whilst few, also, are so little susceptible of a practical 
and beneficial intervention. 

With respect to animals whose parasitic existence 
(foetal) is completed before the completion of the animal 
organism ; that is, those which are twice lorn — once, in 
the emancipation of the egg, and again, in the liberation 
of the young animal from the egg — it is a strong argu- 
ment against the artificial interference of man, that they 
are not even susceptible of the interference of their own 
kind. 

The bird, of whatever kind, owes its final introduction 
into the animated world to the efforts of its own strength 
and energy alone. Sufficiently developed to dispense 
with its temporary inclosure, the young bird lustily ham- 
mers at the shell of the egg, to start into actual exist- 
ence ; and even a blow from the beak of the parent bird, 
guided and prompted by the natural instinct and affec- 
tion for the fruits of its own labor, suffering, and priva- 
tion, would endanger the life of the offspring. 

The cases are, therefore, very rare, although they 
sometimes occur, when the interference of man, with the 
manifold appliances of his reason and ingenuity, are 
needed, or can avail to facilitate the completion of this 
second birth. In these rare cases, we may sometimes 
resort to the expedient of breaking the shell of the egg, 
but this must be done with great care, and very gently. 
The signal for such a course will be the suspension of 
further strong efforts on the part of the incarcerated 



482 GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY. 

chicken, after a struggle of many hours' duration. In 
the majority of cases (i. e., taking the average), the chick- 
en does not effect its release until after twelve hours of 
labor, although instances are not wanting of the hatching 
being completed within periods varying from one to 
twelve hours. Whereas, on the other hand, these efforts 
have continued ineffectually for nearly two days. 
When the period of hatching is about due, according to 
our estimate, we should pay every attention to the nest. 

A more frequent occurrence of the beneficial inter- 
ference consists in aiding the removal of the membrane 
which incloses the chicken within the shell, and which 
will not unfrequently occur, owing to the inspissation of 
the size or white of the egg in which the chicken floats, 
by the heat applied d^uring incubation, and the conse- 
quent adhesion of the membrane. The artificial removal 
of this species of skin, or film, can be affected with a 
little moderately warm water, which will serve to liquefy 
the size, and consequently to release the membrane on 
the one hand, and the chicken on the other. 

As fast as the chickens are hatched they should be 
removed, deposited in a nest of wool, in a very warm 
situation, and there retained until the contents of every 
egg are extricated, when the hen must be cooped, and 
the chickens may be restored to her. No food should 
be given to the chickens (or, at least, not for twenty-four 
hours) until they are replaced. Nothing but sheer 
bruised grain, such as groats, should be offered to the 
chickens for some time, and the water with which they 
are furnished should be placed in such vessels as to pre- 
vent the chickens from falling into it, or becoming 
immersed. 



FEEDING OF POULTRY FOR MARKET. 433 

The coops of different broods should be as far removed 
from each other as possible ; and after the first week, the 
hen may be liberated from the coop in fine weather, as 
soon as the dew is dried up, so that the hen and chick- 
ens may wander in search of their own food ; but they 
should never be allowed (if it can be prevented) to be 
exposed in wet weather, or to run loose until the ground 
is dry. The chickens will continue with the hen until 
they are able to provide for themselves, unless, indeed, 
the hen abandons them ; in which case, if they be seen 
to mope and pine, and fail, they must be carefully 
treated and reared by hand for some time longer. There 
is a peculiar wailing, painful, disconsolate chirp, whereby 
a young chicken signifies its sensation of helplessness. 



15, — The Feeding of Poultry for Market or 
Slaughter. 

The chief considerations in respect of feeding refer : 

1. To the nature and quality of the food. 

2. To the quantity. 

3. To the method of feeding, and the contemporary 
general treatment. 

la. Without entering upon the consideration of the 
peculiar crotchets of particular breeders or fanciers in 
this respect, it will suffice to enumerate the articles 
which are most serviceable for this purpose ; namely, 
entire grain, especially barley and wheats and sometimes, 
also, oats, when they do not purge ; malted or sprouting 
barley, grains, and other like products ; meals of grain, 
especially of barley and wheat ; animal substances, such 
19^ 



434 FEEDING OF POULTRY FOR MARKET. 

as the ant's eggs ; or even pullets' eggs, boiled hard, and 
chopped up ; or, as recommended by some persons, una- 
dulterated greasy animal substances generally. We may 
also name certain green vegetables and grasses, as con- 
ducive to the advantageous feeding of fowls. With 
respect to the quality, we have always found that there 
is greater economy as to actual cost, and that the results 
are infinitely more advantageous from using the best and 
heaviest grain, than from the use of refuse or tail corn, 
such as is commonly appropriated to the uses of the 
poultry. 

2a. With respect to the quantity of the food adminis- 
tered, that must be governed chiefly by the inclination 
of the fowls ; generally speaking, the more the fowls 
contrive to consume the better. 

3a. The method of administering the food for fatten- 
ing purposes resolves itself into the following proposi- 
tion : 1st. The liberty to ramble in search of food, espe- 
cially in farmj^ards, where, at the first thrashing, the 
fowls instinctively deriving the best of food from the 
refuse and waste of the barn, will fatten readilj^, and 
will yield the finest qualitj^ of flesh. 2d. Being confined, 
either to a section of the inclosure already described 
under the head of " General Management of Poultry," 
parted off as a feeding-ground ; or being confined to 
the still narrower circuit of a coop ; or even being de- 
prived of light, to render the fowls more tranquil and 
indolent, and, consequently, less liable to waste a frac- 
tion of flesh, or fatty deposit; or again, with similar 
confinement, by what is termed cramming, that is, com- 
pelling the fowl to swallow a given quantity of barley or 
wheat meal, or of such other substance as may be 



DUCKS AND GEESK 435 

deemed advisable ; and lastly, by recourse to the opera - 
tion of castration, with a subsequent similar course of 
feeding. The operation in question constitutes the 
variety of domestic fowls popularly called capons; a 
species of refinement on the ordinary treatment of poul- 
try, to the employment of which three or four districts 
in England have undisputed claims. 

If. however, young fattened chickens be in request, 
the best and true method of feeding consists in sustain- 
ing the condition which the chicken usually attains under 
the protection, and with the assistance of the parent 
fowl, by unremitting rich and generous food, never allow- 
ing the pullet intended for slaughter to degenerate into lean- 
ness^ because such degeneracy, however temporary, will 
most materially deteriorate not only the quantity of the 
flesh, but the regularity with which it is interlarded, 
and, consequently, the juiciness and flavor. 



16.— Ducks ancLQeese. 

Ducks, like Guinea fowls, require watching as soon as 
the laying season sets in, that is, in February, lest they 
should steal away to conceal their eggs in some secret or 
inaccessible place. 

There are very few varieties amongst ducks which ap- 
pear to be indigenous, and these are either white, or 
have a great admixture of white or light-colored feath- 
ers. The Rhine Duch^ for which we are indebted to the 
Continent, when pure, is distinguished by the prevalence 
of dark colors, and by the greater bulk of the bird. — 
There are not nearly so many varieties of color and mark- 



436 DUCKS AND GEESE. 

ing, produced by hybridization amongst dncks, as 
amongst chickens ; whereas, amongst geese again, we 
distinguish more varied admixtures of color. Muscovy 
ducks, which are occasionally found even about the 
homesteads of very rural localities, are but fancy fowls. 

The Embden Geese seem to be held in estimation equal 
to that acquired by the white breed of ducks above 
named; yet of late years they have generally disap- 
peared from the flocks. Geese, in their wild state, are 
the most uniform in color of any birds ; they generally 
seem to correspond feather for feather. It is strange 
that, in their domesticated state, the uniformity has been 
replaced by the opposite extreme. 

Ducks are miscellaneous and foul feeders. Offal of 
any kind, flesh, weeds, vegetables, and grain — the insects 
or small fish inhabiting the water which they frequent, 
&c., &c., are amongst the articles which they consume. — 
They seem to thrive and fatten near tan-yards^ where 
they subsist almost exclusively upon the offal of ani- 
mals ; but their flesh becomes comparatively rank in fla- 
vor. Acorns are also found very advantageous for fat- 
tening ducks, and they seek for them assiduously in the 
vicinity of extensive plantations, or forests of oak. The 
best artificial food for fattening ducks seems to consist 
of mixed food, with the addition of a considerable share 
of crushed or bruised oats (especially), and pease. The 
meal of these kinds of grain may be considered the best 
form. Barley is to be avoided. The mingled refuse of 
the household cannot be better appropriated than to the 
feeding of ducks. Confinement is not preferable for 
fattening. 

The staple food of the goose consists of the finer grass 



DUCKS AND GEESE. 437 

of permanent pastures, such as commons^ waste lands, 
&c., which, however, should be examined to see that it 
is free from poisonous herbs, such as hemlock, night- 
shade, &c., which would destroy the goslings ; and situ- 
ations should be selected where water is not wanting. — 
Besides grass, if geese are intended for high condition, 
and to realize considerable weight, we should supply 
them twice a day with other vegetable substances, such 
as refuse cabbage-leaves, turnips, carrots, mangelwurzel, 
&c., (carefully cut up), lucern, tares and the like. The 
range of stubbles, immediately after harvest, will fatten 
geese as well as, if not better, than artificial home feed- 
ing, especially if they have been kept in high condition 
by the means just described. We may begin to fatten 
the goslings in the course of the second month, when 
green food should be allowed only very sparingly. It may 
also be added that, where there are only a few geese, (or 
a few on which it is desired to bestow especial attention), 
we may very beneficially use crushed or bruised grain, 
(as described above in respect of ducks), mixed, if pos- 
sible, with superabundant milk from the dairy ; malt and 
fresh grains are highly advantageous as winter food for 
the geese, to forward them for breeding ^ and to obtain an 
early broody so as to be able to rear a second in the course of 
the same year. Good pollard, sharps, &c., also constitute 
very desirable fattening food, or food for goslings during 
the first three weeks. 

The situation of the habitation appropriated to ducks 
has already been noticed, under the general head of 
Poultry. 

Ducks are very abundant layers, and continue to lay 
until very late in the season. The period of incubation 



438 DUCKS AND GEESE. 

with ducks, extends on the average over a period of one 
month, more or less. If watched during the time that 
they are still laying, it will not be difl&cult to detect the 
hiding-places selected for nests, but for this purpose they 
must be watched at night or at the first dawn of day. — 
The drooping of the belly, and the peculiar waddle of 
ducks heavy with eggs ready for deposition, betrays 
them, and if on the water the tail will be spread out, 
and close to the water, instead of being held up. Ducks 
lay at night, or very early in the morning, and rarely, if 
ever, after the day is advanced ; and when they leave 
the nest, they invariably collect leaves and rubbish 
wherewith to conceal the eggs more effectually, a precau- 
tion which is also observed by the goose in rarer 
instances. According to its size and abundance of 
plumage, the duck can hatch twelve, thirteen, or fourteen 
eggs on an average, some even more. The proportion- 
ate number of drakes to ducks, should be as one to five. 

The period of inciibatwn with geese differs little from 
that of ducks, the average being a day or two over 
the month. The relative numbers of the male and 
female are the same as with ducks. The number of 
esrg:s covered varies from thirteen to seventeen. 

The duch^ during incubation^ should not be disturbed, 
but should be left entirely to itself and perfectly se- 
cluded. Nor should the brood be meddled with until 
they are spontaneously brought out by the parent bird, 
when they should be cooped together upon smooth turf, 
or, in the case of the prevalence of very wet, cold, or 
changeable weather, they may better be cooped under 
cover within the hutches appropriated to them, the tails 
and the adjacent feathers being cut close. During this 



DUCKS AND GEESE. 439 

period whilst they are cooped, the soundest grain should 
be freely allowed to the old bird, as well as plenty of dry 
litter, constantly changed. In wet, unhealthy weather, 
good meal should be supplied to the brood and the old 
bird, the earliest food of the brood consisting of oatmeal. 
Ducklings should never be hatched under a hen where 
there is water at hand ; and even when raised by one of 
their own kind they should be withheld from the water, 
(the mother being confined to the coop), for a period 
varying from a week to fifteen or eighteen days, accord- 
ing to the state of the weather. 

A pan, containing a constant supply of fresh water, 
should be placed at hand, close to the coop. This is 
indispensable. The coops containing different broods 
should be far apart. 

Oeese^ as the period of breeding approaches, should be 
carefully watched. 

As early as the beginning of February, when the 
geese have been well fed on malt, grains, and the like, 
during the winter, we may notice them collecting straw 
and apparently busy in providing for a nest, when this 
should be supplied for them. A quiet place should be 
selected for this purpose, and straw carefully deposited. 

During the period of incubation^ when all the geese, 
which are sitting simultaneously, (if more than one), are 
collected in adjacent nests, the natural guardian, namely, 
the gander, which is ever at hand, will sufficiently pro- 
vide for their protection and their wants. The early 
goslings will be hatched in the course of the month of 
March. The earliest food of the gosling should be much 
the same as that of the duckling. For the first fortnight 
the goose and lier brood should be lioused during the 



440 TURKEYS. 

night, and during cold and wet weather, and should be 
folded in a small inclosure, set apart for this purpose, 
upon an adjacent grass-plat, as soon as the turf is dry, 
and the sun high above the horizon. At this early sea- 
son the brood should be removed to the shelter appro- 
priated to it for the night, at from three to five o'clock in 
the afternoon. When the goslings are from ten to fif- 
teen days old they may be allowed the full scope of the 
pasture selected for them, with the parent bird, with the 
addition of the richer fresh food and grain above de- 
scribed ; but, unless the season be far advanced, or if 
the nights be cold, they must still be housed at sunset. 



17.— Of Turkeys. 

The Rearing of the Chicks: During the completion of 
the process of hatching, the chicks must be removed and 
kept warm until the liberation of all is completed, when, 
for the first forty days, the}^ will require to be kept under 
cover with the hen. They will then be fed wdth a thick 
mixture of oat or barley meal, and with chopped eggs, 
shreds of coarse boiled beef (unsalted) being soon added, 
the latter being strewed about to encourage the chicks to 
search for their food. Fresh-mown turf may also be 
afforded to them, but it must be thoroughly examined 
for the removal of noxious insects and vermin. As 
soon as they are allowed greater liberty, either by the 
cooping "up of the hen in an open field, or by their being 
allowed to range abroad, a close watch must be kept 
over them to prevent their straying away, to which they 
are very prone, as well as to prevent the hen from stray- 
ing from them, in her natural disposition to wander to a 



I 



TUEKEYS. 441 

distance, without allowing the chicks an opportunity of 
keeping close to her. In the event of their being sickly, 
within a few days after hatching, a little crushed malt 
may be added to their food. Whilst they are kept in 
confinement it will be necessary to provide for the thor- 
ough cleanliness and dryness of the place appropriated 
to them. Good, clean, but small shingle makes the best 
flooring. 

Turkeys, it should be observed, are more difficult to 
rear than any of the other varieties of poultry domesti- 
cated in this country, and, therefore, all the precautions 
already prescribed for other fowls will apply yet more 
imperatively to these, besides those regulations which 
are specially adapted to their treatment. 

After harvest, and later in the autumn, turkeys may 
very advantageously be driven over the stubbles and 
amongst oak plantations, whence they will derive much 
condition towards the fattening for the winter market. — 
Where there are chestnut trees they may be allowed to 
range with still more advantage, but, in these excursions, 
they should be invariably attended and watched, lest 
they should stray away, as they are much in the habit 
of doing. 

In the immediate vicinity of corn-fields, before har- 
vest, they require no less attention ; they scramble into 
the standing wheat, when they will destroy a great deal, 
and derive little good themselves from the mischief 

It is not uncommon, for the purpose of fattening for 
great weight, to castrate them in the same manner in 
which common fowls are converted into &ipons. At any 
rate, the mixed meals, derived from wheat, barley, and 
oats, beaten up into a thick pulp, with water, form the 



442 DISEASES OF POULTRY. 

best artificial food which can be used to complete the 
fattening; such feeding, however, is only adapted to 
turkeys which are pounded for fattening. It will not be 
of so much service to birds which are allowed to range 
as the natural food which they will pick up of their own 
accord. 

The proportion of the male to the females should be 
as six to one. The number of eggs upon which a turkey- 
hen may sit does not differ from that already mentioned 
of geese ; and the period of incubation is of very regu- 
lar duration, owing to the perseverance of the turkey- 
hen as a sitter — it may be estimated at thirty-two days. 

The turkey-hen will frequently lay as many as from 
twenty to twenty-five eggs, so that in saving eggs for 
incubation, we should in general await the issue of her 
laying, evinced by the omission to lay at the recurring 
period, before we place the adequate number of eggs 
under her. 



18.— A Brief Notice of the Biseases Prevalent 
amongst Poultry. 

The diseases of poultry are generally attributable to 
one of two causes : Inclemency of climate and weather, 
or unwholesome food, with or without filth, etc. The 
great majority of the diseases (out of a comparatively 
small number) to which any classification has been 
assigned are of a catarrhal nature : such, for instance, as 
roup^ chip^ gapes ; whereas others, such as vertigo^ scouring^ 
and costiveness (in some instances), pip^ and vermin^ are 
attributable to mistaken, excessive, or deficient feeding ; 
and affections of the claws^ sJcin^ etc., are attributable to 



DISEASES OF POULTRY. 443 

want of cleanliness, air, exercise, etc. With respect, 
therefore, to the treatment, as a general rule, we should 
indicate the modification of the cause ; as, for instance, 
against the former class of diseases, warmth, protection 
from the weather, with healthy ventilation, dry housing, 
etc. And against the second class of complaints, a 
change of food, the withholding of miscellaneous food, 
the administration of well selected food at regular inter- 
vals, in small quantities, and carefully prepared ; as also 
the thorough cleanliness of the roost, the removal of all 
noxious vapors and odors, and thorough ventilation. 

In the treatment of Bone- wen, an affection which has 
been thought incurable, we have succeeded with Hepar 
s. and Silicea^ five drops for each fowl every day, in 
the water apportioned to the fowls affected. We have 
also used Mercurius for Pip, and for Protrusion of the 
Ovary ; Bryonia^ Allium^ and Arsenicum inEoup ; Opium 
and Sulphur^ in Gapes and Constipation ; Ferrum a. 
(a popular remedy), Secale and Sulphur^ against Scour- 
ing, with great success. Agaricus m., and Calcarea^ dur- 
ing Moulting, also with considerable success. Colchicum 
and Sulphur for Chip ; China and Staphisagria for the 
spontaneous generation of Yermin ; as also Tobacco (the 
last externally), followed by Pulsatilla (internally), in the 
same case ; Mercurius^ China^ and Silicea^ against Core ; 
Cannabis against general and unaccountable Emaciation. 

The Bone-wen is an enlargement or excrescence, form- 
ing about the bones of the joints, similarly to that to 
which we have referred in respect of the horse, under 
the head of ^'Splint." 

Pip is a complaint characterized by the formation of a 
white scale at the extremity of the tongue. The fowl 



444 DISEASES OF POULTRY. 

begins by moping, and keeping apart, refuses to eat, and 
is dilatory and irregular in its motions. Costiveness is 
most frequently an attendant symptom, and we some- 
times find considerable heat, especially about the belly, 
close to the thighs. 

Roup is a term which includes a variety of catarrhal 
affections, arising out of exposure to changes of tempera- 
ture, wet, etc., etc. One of the characterizing features of 
the disease, in an advanced stage, consists of discharge 
from the nostrils ; the eyes are also occasionally involved, 
being swollen and inflamed. 

Chip or chipping^ so called from the peculiar cry emit- 
ted by the bird, is another disease, which partakes of the 
general character of roup. It is confined to young chick- 
ens, and is very fatal if not taken in time ; but Colchicum 
has been administered with admirable results in the 
earlier stages. It arises from wet weather, the light 
down of young birds becoming easily saturated and long 
in drying. The feathers droop, and lose their gloss ; 
the chicken is extremely tender of being touched ; there 
is considerable fever, and external heat is remarkably 
developed, although the chicken sits trembling violently 
and continually. 

Scouring and costiveness need no particular description. 

Core consists of the formation of a species of deposit, 
or excrescence, either in the gullet or alvine passage. 
The core varies in color, sometimes being brownish-yel- 
low, sometimes darker, and sometimes of the color of 
ochre intermingled with red. 

Gapes^ or the yawning disease^ so called from the preva- 
lent characteristic symptom, is another modification of 
roup, and its subordinate catarrhal affections. 



SMALLPOX IN MAN. 



This disease is, by medical practitioners of the present 
day, divided into two varieties: the distinct^ when the 
pustules on the face are clearly defined, and do not run 
into each other, — and the confluent^ when they coalesce 
and form one continuous whole. 

When the symptoms are less severe than those prop- 
erly characteristic of the disease, and the eruption on the 
face slight, it is called the modified small-pox. We gen- 
erally find this description in such persons as have been 
properly vaccinated. 

Symptoms. — The disease is frequently very sudden in 
its attacks, commencing with chilliness and shivering, 
followed by a high fever, headache, severe pains in 
the small of the back and loins, languor, weariness and 
faintness ; the voice of the patient is also changed, and 
he complains of oppression of the chest, and acute pain 
in the pit of the stomach, increased by pressure. The 
eruption makes its appearance on the head at the close 
of the second day, during the third day on the face and 
neck, and afterwards spreads over the whole body. 

The eruption first displays itself in the form of small, 
hard-pointed, red elevations, which, in about three days, 
present a bladder-like appearance, surrounded by an 
inflamed circular margin, and become depressed in the 
centre as they enlarge. About the sixth or eighth day, 
the watery secretion in the pustule becomes converted 
into matter, and the depression in the centre disaj^pears. 



446 SMALLPOX. "^ 

When the pustules are very numerous on the face, it 
generally becomes much swollen, and the eyelids are 
frequently closed up. On the first day, a small lump, 
like a millet seed, may be felt in each of the elevations 
above noticed, distinguishing this eruption from all 
others. 

In Confluent Smallpox, all the precursory symptoms 
are more severe, the fever runs high, and frequently 
continues so throughout the course of the disease ; the 
pain in the pit of the stomach and difficulty of breathing 
are more complained of, and in children the eruption is 
frequently preceded by convulsions and delirium. 
Treatment. 

On first appearance of fever in cases of Smallpox, take 
Aconite and Belladonna^ alternately. When eruptions 
appear, take Bryonia, If nervous, take Chamomilla. If 
troubled with nausea or vomiting, take Pidsatilla. Rhus 
Tbx is a good remedy when rheumatic pains are felt in 
the back and extremities. Stramonium is particularly 
serviceable in forwarding eruptions. 

Prepare the above remedies by mixing five drops of 
solution in half a glassful of water. Give one teaspoon- 
ful every hour, except in the case of Aconite and Bella- 
donna^ which should be given alternate hours. 

As the pustules become filled, open them with a sharp 
instrument, and their discharge will prevent all disfigu- 
ration, and relieve the disease. 

Fresh air is our best auxiliary, the emanations from 
the patient in this complaint being of a nature to react 
upon the organism, and warmth being calculated to 
increase its activity. Great cleanliness must also be 
observed, and the linen frequently changed. 



APPENDIX. 




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EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS. 



This class of remedies includes certain specified drugs 
whicli are applied to the external surface of the body, in 
local affections, or injuries, for three distinct purposes — 
firstly^ to assist the operation of the given drug when it is 
administered internally at the same time ; secondly^ to 
obtain a disinfectant, or antiseptic action in cases of 
unhealthy ulceration, or sloughing; and thirdly^ to 
destroy vermin. 

The following is a list of these applications, and their 
principal uses: 

Arnica Lotion. 

Mix 1 fluid ounce of Tincture of Arnica with 15 of 
water. 

Used ID all kinds of injuries caused by mechanical violence, such 
as falls, blows, etc. ; in fractures, dislocations, bruises ; to wounds 
after operations ; to pricks of the feet, corns, etc. In the last cases, 
a piece of tow soaked in the strong tincture should be applied ; and 
a bran poultice may be medicated with the same, or with some of 
the lotion. 

Calendula Lotion, 

Mix 1 ounce of Tincture of Calendula with 15 of water. 

Used in cuts, lacerations, flesh-wounds, etc. When the wound is 
irritable and inflamed, and a poultice is required, add to it two or 
three wine-glassfuls of the lotion. 



1 



EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS. 449 

Rhus Lotion, 
Mix 1 ounce of Tincture of Rhus with 15 of water. 

To be well rubbed into the seat of sprains of ligaments, or ten- 
dons, and in some forms of local rheumatism. 

Kali Bichromicum Lotion, 

Dissolve 1 dram of the salt ia 16 fluid ounces of 
water. 

To be rubbed over farcy-buds, the enlargements of weed and 
cellulititis ; also very efficient in capped hocks, after Arnica Lotion. 

Ruta Lotion. 

Mix 1 ounce of Tincture of Ruta with 15 of water. 

Used in some cases of distension of joints, or bursal sacs, resulting 
from sprains. To be rubbed in. 

Arsenical Lotion,^ 

Boil 4 grains of Arsenious Acid in a pint of distilled 
water. 

Used in some forms of cracked heels, grease, and mange. 

Mercurius Corrosivus Lotion,^' 

Dissolve 1 dram of Corrosive Sublimate in 16 ounces 
of hot water. 

Used as an injection in fistulas, quittor, etc. ; in the reduction of 
splints, bone spavins, ring-bones ; in thickening of the sheaths of 
tendons ; and in some parasitic diseases of the skin. When rubbed 
in, the skin gets tender and scurfy in a few days ; it sliould then be 
discontinued for a day or two, and the part rubbed with oil, and 
washed well with soap and water ; then resumed. 



* To prevent accidents with these two applications, the bottles containing 
them should be labelled *' POISON," and, when not used, locked up. 

20 



450 APPENDIX. 

Iodine Lotion. 

Tincture of Iodine 1 to 2 fluid drams ; water 16 
ounces. 

Used in vaginal discharges. 

Kali Cldoricmn Lotion. 

I^ali Clilor. 2 drams; Glycerine 8 fluid ounces; water 
8 ounces. 

Used in foot diseases of cows, grease, etc. 

Belladonna Lotion. 
Extract of Belladonna 2 grains ; water 1 ounce. 
Used as a local application in periodic opLthalmia. 

Hydrastis Injection. 
Tincture of Hydrastis 1 ounce; Avater 16 ounces. 
Used in nasal discharges ; vaginal discharges. 

Sulphur Ointment. 
Sulphur 1 ounce ; lard 6 ounces. 
Used in parasitic skin diseases, and pimply eruptions with itching. 

Benzine (Undiluted.) 
Used in parasitic mange — page 265. 

Sulphurous Acid J and Lotion. 

Used pure in malignant putrid sores, and unhealthy ulcerations ; 
and diluted with equal parts of water, or of Glycerine^ in certain 
skin diseases. 

Hydrastis Inhalation. 

1 dram of tlie powder; water 1 quart. 
Used in nasal discharges. 



EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS. 451 

Carbolic Acid. 
Mix 1 ounce with 20 ounces of water. 

Used in all kinds of putrid sores, as foot rot, glanders and farcy 
foul discharges from the head. Also for proud flesh, skin diseases, 
parasites, and as a disinfectant in malignant and infectious diseases. 

Baptisia Inhalation, 
Tincture of Biptisia 2 fluid drams ; water 1 quart. 

Applied by means of a specially constructed apparatus, or by 
pouring some of the liquid on a hot brick held under the nose. 
In abscess of the lungs — page 181. 

Tobacco Fumigation. 

The Tobacco to be burnt on a hot shovel, placed under 
the animal's nose. 

To kill the parasites in the nose, and in bronchitis from worms. 

Sulphur Fumigation. 

Sprinkle some Flowers of Sulphur on hot cinders held 
on a shovel, placed under the nose of the animal. 

To kill parasites in the nose, and used in bronchitis due to 
worms. 

Thuja (Undiluted Tincture). 

Used for warts, applied externally, page 272 — and mallenders, 
page 273. 

Powdered Slaked Lime. 

Used in open joints — page 53. 

Tincture of Urtica (Urens) Dioica. 

This remedy has been found specific against the stings of insects. 
It should be selected preferably to Arnica^ when the stings have 
produced considerable swelling and there is burning heat and exces- 
sive tenderness of the surface to the touch, so much so that the ani- 



452 



APPENDIX 



mal shrinks from examination, and that when touched the skin 
quivers. 

The Urtica Urens will be found useful in all bums and scalds, 
when the integuments and subjacent tissues are not destroyed, and 
when the injury is confined to the skin. 

When used for stings^ the pure Tincture of Urtica may be touched 
to the affected part once in half an hour, or once an hour, till the 
swelling begins to go down. 

When applied to huriis^ this remedy will more quickly relieve 
the inflammation if mixed with warm water, and applied quite 
warm, once an hour. For burns, the lotion should consist of six 
parts of pure soft water to one of the tincture. At first, in severe 
cases, the lotion should be used afresh every quarter of an hour, by 
means of a linen rag bound about the parts, and resaturated at such 
intervals ; but, when the severest effects of the injury have been 
overcome, it will be sufficient to remoisten the rag at intervals of 
three hours during the first day, and to bathe the parts with the 
lotion twice a dav afterwards. 



DIEEOTIOTiTS 
For Ooraponnding Medicines 

PRESCRIBED IN THIS WORK. 



When purchased of a Homeopathic Pharmacy, add 
one dram of Tincture to ten drams of Alcohol. 



When purchased of ordinary druggists, add one dram 
of Tincture to six drams of Alcohol. 



One grain of any of the medicines in powder^ is equal 
to one drop of the liquid. For convenience in using, 
dissolve one dram of the powder in one ounpe of water, 
then add two ounces of alcohol, and the solution will be 
of the right strength for twenty-drop doses. 



EECIPES. 



We give here several recipes for the cure of bony 
enlargements, which have all been used with success in 
different cases : 

3 oz. Euphorbia ; 1 oz. Cantharides ; 2J drams Iodine 
Crystals ; 3 drams Eed Precipitate ; 2 drams Bichloride 
Mercury ; 1 oz. Mercurial Ointment ; J oz. Venice Tur- 
pentine; ^ lb. White Pine Turpentine; | lb. Lard. 
Melt the Lard and Pitch together; then put in one 
ingredient at a time, as the recipe reads. Apply what 
will well cover the enlargement ; rub with naked hand, 
and let it remain two days, and then grease. The third 
day wash, the fourth day apply as before ; and so on 
until the enlargement is gone. When applied to the 
shoulder, use 25 per cent, more lard. 

2 oz. Cantharides ; 4 oz. Mercurial Ointment ; 3 oz 
Tincture of Iodine ; 4 oz. Turpentine ; 3 drams Corro- 
sive Sublimate. Mix all well with 2 lbs. of Lard. Cut 
off the hair from the part affected, grease the lump with 
the ointment, and rub it on with the naked hand. In 
two days grease the part with lard, and in four days 
wash it with soap and water, then apply the ointment 
again. So repeat until a cure is effected. For Wind- 



RECIPES. 455 

galls, Bog Spavin, or Curb, apply the ointment every 
six days. 

1 oz. Cantharides ; 2 J oz. of Muriated Acid ; 1 oz. 
Laudanum ; IJ oz. Spirits of Turpentine ; J oz. Sul 
Zinc ; 1 oz. Tincture Iodine ; | oz. Origanum ; 1 oz. 
Castile Soap ; |- oz. Camphor Gam ; 1 oz. Eosin ; ^ oz. 
Venice Turpentine ; ^ oz. Corrosive Sublimate ; 1 lb. of 
Lard. Melt the Lard, then add Muriated Acid. When 
melted, add the balance, and stir until cold. 

1 oz. Spanish Flies ; 2 oz. Benzine. Apply for three 
days, then grease with Lard. 

J gill Spirits Tarpentine; |- oz. Corrosive Sublimate. 

This will sometimes cure when nothing else will reduce 

the enlargement, but care must be taken not to use it too 

freely. 

For Curb or Splints. 

2 oz. Oil Turpentine ; 2 oz. Camphor; 2 oz. Origanum ; 
1 oz. Spirits Ammonia; 1 oz. Olive Oil. Shake it well, 
and apply with a sponge, without rubbing, three or fou r 
times a day, until it scabs. 

For Thoroughpin, Bog Spavin and Windgalls. 

1 pt. good Soft Soap ; J lb. Brown Sugar ; 2 oz. Spirits 
Turpentine ; i tablespoon ful of salt. 

It is good also to apply to bone spavin, when it has 
been blistered. Apply twice a day, and rub in well 
with the hand. 

Chloroform Liniment. 

Mix Chloroform and Cod Liver Oil. Good to relieve 
suffering in case of burns, etc. 



456 appendix. 

Black Liniment. 

^ pt Linseed Oil ; 3 oz. tincture of Iodine ; 4 oz. Tur- 
pentine ; 1 oz. Oil of Origanum. Shake it well before 
using. This liniment is good on any swelling. .Wash 
the part clean with soap and water before applying, and 
rub the liniment well in with the hand. 

Muscle Liniment. 

1 oz. Oil Origanum ; J pt. Alcohol ; ^ oz. Oil Cedar ; 

^ oz. Oil Cloves ; J oz. Turpentine ; 8 oz. Olive Oil. 

Shake it well. This is used for almost all complaints of 

the muscles. 

Opodeldoc. 

^ gal. Alcohol; 2 lbs. Castile Soap; 4 oz. Gum Cam- 
phor ; 2 oz. Oil of Ambre. 

Pour the Alcohol into a pot, and set it in a kettle of 
hot water. Shave up the soap, and put it into the 
Alcohol with the other ingredients. Keep hot until all 
is dissolved. 

This is the old original Opodeldoc. 

German Wash. 

1 quart of good, strong Cider Vinegar, 2 oz. pulverized 
Blue Yitriol, 3-oz. Alum, 3 tablespoonfuls pulverized 
Loaf Sugar, 6 tablespoonfuls Honey. Simmer together 
in an earthen or pewter vessel. For human flesh, use 
with the same amount of vinegar one-quarter of the other 
ingredients. 

This will be found an excellent remedy for all kinds 
of sores, whether simple cuts or bruises, or unhealthy 
ulcers, or fever sores. 



RECIPES. 457 

For Sprains, Bruises and Lameness. 

Two ounces of each of the following ingredients : Oil 
of Spike, Origanum, Hemlock, Wormwood, Spirits Am- 
monia, Camphor Gum, Spirits Turpentine ; 4 oz. Sweet 
oil ; 1 quart Proof Spirits, 95 per cent. Mix well 
together and bottle tight. 

The above liniment cannot be equaled, and will be 
very useful to any one keeping valuable horses. Omit 
the Turpentine, and you have the best liniment ever 
made for human ails, such as rheumatism or sprains. 
Whenever an outward application is required, try it and 
prove its virtue. 

Eheumatic Liniment. 

J pt. of Alcohol ; J oz. of Origanum ; J oz. of Cayenne 
Pepper; |- oz. of Gum Myrrh ; 1 teaspoonful of Lobelia. 
Let it stand all day, then bathe the part affected. 

Soap Liniment. 

1 oz. Origanum; 1 oz. Castile Soap; 1 pint Alcohol 
Used for swellings, etc. 

Ointment for Cuts and Bruises. 

4 lbs. Mutton Tallow ; J lb. Beeswax ; ^ lb. Eosin ; 
3 oz. Turpentine. Melt over a slow fire, and when 
nearly cold, add the Turpentine. Good for cuts and 
bruises. 

Butter Ointment. 

2 lbs. of fresh Butter ; ^ oz. Tincture of Iodine; 2 oz. 
Oil Origanum. Mix well for fifteen minutes, and it is 
ready for use. This salve is good for any inflammation 
on man or beast, — rheumatism, sprains, burns, swell- 

20^ 



458 APPENDIX. 

ings, bruises, chapped hands and lips, or black eyes. 
Apply it every night, and rub well in with your hand. 
For human flesh, put it on warm flannel. 

Blue Ointment. 

4 oz. Ointment of Eosin ; J oz. of finely ground Ver- 
digris ; 2 oz. of Turpentine ; 2 lbs. Mutton Tallow ; J 
oz. Oil Origanum ; |- oz. Tincture Iodine. Mix all well, 
and this is one of the best medicines that can be made for 
scratches, hoof-evil, and cuts. It is good to apply on 
fistula, after the pipes have been taken out. 

Hoof Ointment. 

4 oz. Eosin ; 6 oz. Beeswax ; 2 lbs. Lard. Melt 
together ; pour it into a pot, and add 8 oz. of Turpentine, 
2 oz. of finely powdered Verdigris, 1 lb. Tallow. Stir 
all until it gets cool. This is one of the best medicines 
for the hoof ever used. It is good for cork or bruises of 
the feet. 

Treatment of Hoof Bound, or Tender Feet. 

. If the part is contracted, have the foot spread at the 
heels, but never rasped above the nail holes. Use either 
the hoof ointment or hoof liquid. Apply all around the 
top of the hoof down one inch, every third day. For 
split hoof apply every day, first cleansing the cut or 
crack, and putting a stiff shoe on the foot. Never cut 
nor burn it. Oil of Tar and Fresh Butter is also a very 
good remedy. 

For Fouls in Cows Feet. 

4 oz. Oil of Tar ; 1 oz. Oil of Vitriol. Apply twice a 
day to the infected part. 



RECIPES. 459 

Drops to Make Old Horses Young. 

1 oz. Tincture Assafoetida ; 1 oz. Tincture of Can- 
tharides ; 1 oz. Oil Cloves ; 1 oz. Oil Cinnamon ; 2 oz. 
Antimony ; 1 oz. Fenugreek ; | gal. fourth proof Brandy, 
Let it stand ten or twelve days, and give ten drops in a 
pail of water, or 1 gallon. 

For Cleaistsing the Blood.! 

J lb. of Blood Root ; |- lb. of Licorice Root ; J lb. of 
Fenugreek ; J lb. Linseed Meal. Give small tablespoon- 
ful every twenty-four hours. 

For Cough, and Diseased Liver or Lungs. 

1 oz. Ginseng, bruised ; 1 oz. Gentian, pulverized ; 
1 oz. Bitter Orange Peel ; 1 oz. Chamomile Flowers ; 
1 oz. Horehound ; ^ dram Aloes ; 1 oz. Spikenard ; 
1 oz. Dandelion. Add the above to J gal. Water and 
^ gal. good Whisky, let it stand twenty -four hours, and 
take a tablespoonful three times a day. 

This is the best medicine for consumptive people I 
know of, and is published in this book by request of 
many who have proved its merits. 

Antidote for Poison — Man or Beast. 

White of an Egg and Hon-ey, beat together. Take 
tablespoonful every half hour, until relieved. 



GLOSSAET: 



OK EXPLANATION OF SOME TECHNICAL WORDS 
OCCUERING IN THIS BOOK. 



Abscess — A collectioD of matter. 

Absorbents — The absorbent vessels pervade all parts of the body, 
and take up and convey matter, not altogether useless, to the 
thoracic duct. 

Anthrax — Carbuncle. 

Antiseptic — That which counteracts, putrefaction. 

Arthritic — Pertaining to joints. 

Articulation — A joint. 

Ascites — A collection of fluid in the belly. 

Astringent — Applied to plants, etc., that contract animal fibre. '"^ 

Bronchial Tubes — The branches of the air-passages in the luugs, 

Bronchocele — Enlargement of the thymus gland in the neck. 

Cachexia — Bad habits of body, in which the fluids and solids are 
vitiated. 

Caries — Ulceration of bone. 

Calculus — A stone, 

Calculi — Stones. 

Catarrh — A cold. 

Characterized — Marked by particular symptoms. 

Chronic — Long-standing, as opposed to acute. 

Coma — Deep drowsiness. 

Comatose — The state of coma. 



GLOSSARY. 461 

Concussion — The disturbance caused by shaking. 

Conjunctival M embrane — The membrane lining the eyeball 
and eyelids. 

Congenital — Applied to diseases, or malformations existing at 
birth. 

Conjunctivitis — Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the 
front of the eyeball and the eyelids. 

Constipation — Bound bowels. 

Contagious — •' Catching.'' 

Contagion — The transmission of disease by contact with the mor- 
bid matter. 

Convalescent — Recovered. 

Convulsion — Violent shaking of the body, such as occurs in fits. 

Cornea — The clear portion of the eyeball in front. 

Coryza — Cold in the head — nasal flux. 

Dentition — The process of teething. 

Diagnosis — The act of '* seeing through " diseases, and so distin- 
guishing one from another. 

Diaphragm — The midriff. The muscle which separates the cavity 
of the chest from that of the belly. 

Digestive System — The organs concerned in digesting food. 

Dyspnoea — Difficulty of breathing. 

Ecchymosed — Stained with extravasation of blood under the 
skin, or mucous membrane 

Efflorescence — A condition of the skin in which there is general 
redness. 

Emaciation — Wasting. 

Emphysema — Applied to the state of the lungs when the air-cells 
are ruptured, or dilated. 

Engorgement — The blood being present in too large quantity in 
the lungs. 

Epidermis — The outermost layer of the skin. 

Epileptiform — A convulsive attack like that of epilepsy. 

Epizootic — Wide-spread diseases amongst the lower animals. 

Extravasation — The passing of blood from the vessels into the 
surrounding tissues. 



462 



APPENDIX. 



Fermentation — The change which takes place in animal and 
vegetable substances under heat and moisture. 

Fistula — A long, pipe-like track of ulceration, with thickened sides, 
leading to, or arising from an abscess. 

Flatulence — Wind in the bowels. 

Fluctuation — The movement of fluid in a cavity, when felt by 
pressure, or striking with the hand. 

Foetid — Having an offensive smell. 

Gangrene — The first stage of mortification. 

Glands — Bodies whose office it is to produce or void some special 
fluid from the blood Thus the liver is a gland, and the bile which 
it produces assists in digesting the food, etc. The kidney is also 
a gland, and discharges water from the blood. 

Granulations — Grain-like, fleshy bodies which arise in wounds. 

Haw — A small body at the inner angle of the eye, which is rapidly 
drawn across the ball of the eye, to protect it from injury. 

Haemorrhage — Bleeding. 

Hereditary Predisposition — A liability to disease transmitted 
from parent to offspring. 

Homoeopathy — The word signifies like-suffering, and is used to . 
designate the new mode of treatment, by the law of healing that 
" likes are cured by likes." 

Hypochondrium - 

the ribs. 



■ The right and left regions of the liver under 



Incubation — Breeding. The period between the entrance of poi- 
son into the body, and the first appearance of its effects. 

Inflammation — A state in which the part, if external, is hot, pain- 
ful, and swollen. 

Interdigital Space — The space between the clefts of the hoof. 

Intestinal Canal — The tube from the stomach to the anus. 

Invagination — A condition of a portion of the bowel in which one 
part is received into another, like the involution of the finger of a 
glove. 

Keratitis — Inflammation of the cornea. 

Larynx — The upper part of the windpipe. 

Lesion — Any hurt, injury, or departure from the healthy condition. 

Lumbar Region — The loins. 



GLOSSARY. 463 

Lymphatic Vessels — Vessels for the conveyance of lymph. 
(See *' absorbents.") 

Masticate — To chew. 

Mucocele — A small swelling, containing mucus and tears, near the 
inner angle of the eye. 

Muco-purulent — A mixture of pus and mucus. 

Mucus — The fluid secreted by a mucous membrane, such as that 
lining the mouth, etc. 

Necrosed — Ulcerated bone. 

Ophthalmoscope — An instrument used for the illumination of the 
interior of the eye, whereby diseases can be discovered there. 

Osseous — Bony. 

Papular — Pimply. 

Papule — A pimple. 

Paralysis — Loss of motion, or of sensation. 

Parasite — A minute animal, or vegetable organism, which feeds 
upon the body of its host. 

Pareiichym.a — The proper substance of the lungs, liver, etc. 

Parturition — The act of delivery. 

Pathological •?— Relating to the investigation of the nature of the 
disease. 

Parotid Gland — A gland for secreting saliva , 

Paroxysmal — Occurring in fits. 

Pharnyx — The back part of the mouth. 

Phlegmonous — Relating to a tense, painful, circumscribed swell- 
ing. 

Photophobia — Dread of light. 

Plethoric — Full habit of body. 

Predisposing Cause — That which renders the body open to dis- 
ease. 

Premonitory— Warning. 

Prepuce — Foreskin. 

Purulent — Consisting of matter. 

Pus — Matter. 

Pustular— Mattery. 

Pustule — A small elevation of the akin conlaiuino nmttor. 



464 



APPENDIX. 



Hectum — The last portion of the large bowel. 

Respiration — The function of breathing. 

Respiratory Murmur —The sound caused by the ingress and 
egress of air, as regards the lungs. 

Ruminants — Cud-chewing animals. 

Rumination — Chewing the cud. 

Salivation — Increased secretion of saliva. 

Sanious — Thin, serous, offensive discharge. 

Schneiderian Membrane — The mucous membrane lining the 
nose. 

Serous Membrane — A membrane that secretes serum. 

Spasm — A muscular contraction. 

Suppuration — The process whereby matter is formed. 

Symptom — A sign, or mark of disease. 

Thoracic Cavity — The cavity of the chest. 

Trituration — Reduced to powder. 

Traumatic — Belonging to, or caused by wounds. 

Trocar — An instrument used for removing the water in dropsy of 

the chest, belly, etc., and gas from the paunch. 

Ulceration — The process by which an ulcer is formed. 

Ulcer — A breach on any part of the surface of the body, etc., from 
which matter is given off. 

Ureter — The tube from the kidney to the bladder. 

Urethra — The tube from the bladder outwards. 

Urinary Passages — The passages for the conveyance of urine. 

Uterus — The womb. 

Vagina — The passage leading to the womb. 

Vertebra — One of the back bones. 

Vertigo — Giddiness. 

Visceral — Relating to the viscera. 

Vesicle — A small elevation of the skin containing clear fluid. 



INDEX. 



Abortion, after treatment, 182 

in cows, 128 

in ewes, 404 

precautions against, 131 

signs of, 130 

Abscess, on coronet, 303 

on lungs, 181 

Aloes, overdose of, 89 
Amaurosis, 258 
Anchylosis of the pastern, 294 
Apoplexy, 237 

splenic, 112 

treatment of, 241 

Appetite, loss of, 16 
Applications, list of local, 448 
Aptha, 31 

epizootic, 41 

Ascarides, 78 

Ascares lumbricoides, 11 

megalocephala, 11 

Ascites, 104 

Astragalus, 376 

Back, sprain of, 297 

Back raking, 87 

Back tendons, sprain of, 299 

thickening of, 299 

Bellyache, in horses, 84 

in other animals, 86 

Belly, dropsy of, 104 

Bile, 334 

Black Quarter, 282 

Leg, 282 ( 

Bladder, inflammation of, 124 

stone in, 126 

Blain, in oxen and sheep, 44 
in pigs, 46 



Bleeding from the lungs, 181 

case of, 182 

from the nose, 147 

Blood diseases, 280 
Bloody flux, in horses, 93 
.•..c. in oxen, 94 

sheep and pigs, 95 

Bloody urine, in horses, 122 

in oxen, 122 ♦ 

Blowfly, 260 
Blue disease, 284 
Bone spavin, 292, 377 
Bone wen in chickens, 443 
Bony enlargements, 292 
Bots, in horses, 79 

in sheep, 156 

Bowel, intussusception of, 103 

sickness in sheep, 93 

Bowels, confined, 82 

diseases of the, 77 

earthy stones in, 81 

inflammation of, 96 

loose, 88 

twists in, 108 

worms in, 77 

Brain, concussion of the, 245 

fever, 240 

hydatids of the, 246 

inflammation of, 240 

water on the, 246 

Braxy in sheep, 92, 281 

Breeding of pigs, 4 1 6 

Breeds of sheep, 393 

Broken down suspensory lii^ament, 

299 
knees, 287 



466 



INDEX. 



Broken ribs, 3*70 

wind, 186 

Bronchial tubes, inflammation of, 
164 

Bronchitis, 164 

Broncho-Pneumonia, 179 

Bruises of the leg and foot, 302 

Brushinoj, 302 

Bursal enlargements, 295 

Calculi, 126 

Calf, scour in, 90 

slipping the, 130 

Calves, earliest treatment of, 138 

Calving, dropping after, 325 

Canine madness, 224 

Cannon bone, 381 

Capped elbow, 296 

hocks, 296 

Carbuncular Diseases, 280 

in pig, 59, 284 

Caries, 34 

Case of Abscess, 181 

...... bleeding from the lungs, 182 

bronchitis, 166 

broncho-pneumonia, 179 

catarrh in pony, 150 

chronic cough, 185 

colic, 88 

congestion of lungs, 163 

diabetes, 119 

diarrhoea, in horse, 89 

diarrhoea in cow, 90 

double pneumonia and pleu- 
risy, 175 

dysuria 127 

garget, 144 

grease, 272 

hysteria, 231, 232 

impetigo, 272 

indigestion in the horse, 68 

indigestion in the cow, 69 

inflammation of the lungs, 

171 

inflammation of the pleura, 

176^ 

megrims, 234 

milk fever, 332 

myalgia, 319 

nasal gleet, 152 

pericarditis, 222 



Case of pleurisy, 175, 176, 178 

pleuro-pneumonia, 176 

purpura hemorrhagica, 321 

322, 323 

retained placenta, 138 

rheumatism, 315, 316, 317 

ringbone, 295 

sore throat, 56, 57 

spasm of the diaphragm, 215 

spavin, 294 

sprain, 300, 301, 302 

typhoid pneumonia, 177 

Cataract, 257 
Catarrh, nasal, 148 

epizootic, 157 

Catarrhal fever, 157 
Cattle plague, 347 

treatment of, 351 

American, 355 

treatment of, 363 

Cause of splint, 384 
Cellutitis, 337 
Chalybeate infusions, 129 
Chapped teats, 267 
Chest, dropsy of, 182 

founder, 314 

Chest, tapping the, 183 
Chickens, diseases of, 442 

general management of, 424 

Chine felon, 314 

Chip or chipping in poultry, 443 

Choking, in horses, 60 

in oxen and sheep, 61 

Cholera, hog, 284 

Chronic cough, 183, 197 

inflammation of the joints, 

391 

rheumatism, 314 

Clap, 141 

Cleansing, the, 137 
Coffin joints, 294 
Colic, flatulent, 85 

case of, 88 

in horses, 84 

in other animals, 86 

Collections of pus in the nose, 153 
matter in guttural pouches, 

154 
Concretions in bowels, 81 
Concussion of the brain, 245 



INDEX. 



467 



Conformation of the hock, 315 

of the leg, 383 

Congestion of the lungs, 162 

case of, 163 

Contraction of the hoof, 388 

Core in poultry, 443 

Corns, 389 

Coryza, in horses, 148 

in oxen, malignant, 149 

Costiveness, 82 

in poultry, 443 

Cough, broken winded, 194 

bronchial, 192 

chronic, 183, 197 

classification of, 190 

consumptive, 197 

from dentition, 191 

in general, 188 

laryngeal, 191 

pharyngeal, 191 

remedies for, 199 

pulmonary, 193 

tracheal, 192 

Coup de soleil, 238 

Cow-hocked, 299 

Cow-pox, 366 

Cracked heels, 267 

Crammed stomach, 12 

Cramp of leg, 398 

Crib biting, 74 

Cuneiform magnum, medium, par- 

vum, 376 
Curb, 298 
Curby hocked, 299 
Cutting and brushing, 302 
Cystitis, 124 
Delirium, 239 

Delivery, mechanical means for 
assisting, 136 

floodfing after, 136 

Dentition, in horses, 29 

in oxen, 31 

in sheep, 31, 413 

in pigs, 32 

Dermatodectes equi, 262 

ovis, 263 

Diabetes, case of, 119 

insipidus, 117 

mellitus, 118 

Diaphragm, spasm of, 215 



Diarrhoea, case of, 89 

in horses, 88 

oxen and sheep, 90 

pigs, 91 

Diet in sickness, 28 
Difficulty in urinating, 127 
Dilatation and stricture, 63 
Dilated heart, 220 
Directions for compounding medi- 
cines, 453 
Discharge from the vagina, 141 
Disease, blue, 284 

.... navicular, 342 

.... of the horns, 391 
Diseases, blood, 281 

.... carbuncular, 281 

of the bladder, 115 

.... of the bowels, 77 

eye, 251 

generative organs, 128 

gullet, 60 

.... heart, 218 

.... kidneys, 115 

.... liver, 107 

.... mouth, 37 

. . . , nervous system, 224 

.... not classified, 305 

.... parasitic, 260 

.... of poultry, 442 

.... of the respiratory organs 
147 

skin, 260 

.... spleen, 107 

.... stomach, 64 

teeth, 29 

.... throat, 6*4 
Disinfectants, 365 
Dislocation of patella, 298 1 
Distemper in pigs, 284 

in sheep, 281 

Distoma hepaticum, 111 

Docking, 409 

Dose, how much to give, 25 

how often to give, 26 

Dropping after calvinc^, 325 . 
Dropsy of the belly, 104 

of the chest, 182 

Ducks and geese, 41^5 
Dust and hair balls, 81 
Dysentery, ip horses, 93 



468 



INDEX. 



Dysentery, in oxen, 94 

in sheep and pigs, 95 

Dysuria, case of, 127 

Early treatment of calves, 138 

of lambs, 407 

Echinorynchus gigas, 78 
Eczema, 47 
Elbow, capped, 296 
Enlargements, bony, 292 

bursal, 295 

Enteritis, 96 

with exudation, 98 

Epizootic aptha, 47 

catarrh, 157 

eczema, 47 

Eruptions, erythematous, 266 

papular, 269 

pustular, 270 

Eruptive fevers, 274 

Erysipelas, 274 

Erythema, 267 

Erythematous Eruptions, 266 

Evil, wood, 102 

Ewe, her pregnancy, etc., 402 

parturition, 404 

Ewe*s milk, use of, 412 
Examination of the patient, 19 
External applications, list of, 448 
Eye, diseases of the, 261 

injuries to, 251 

Face, fistula of the, 35 
Facial paralysis, 248 
Farcy, 308 
Farcy buds, 309 
Fardel bound, 71 
Feeding of poultry, 433 
Festered horn, 391 
Fever, brain, 240 
Fever, catarrhal, 167 

inflammatory, 282 

.... .. milk, 325 

puerperal, 325 

Fevers, eruptive, 274 
Fistula, in poll evil, 291 

of the coronet, 304 

of the face, 35 

Fistulous withers, 292 
Flatulent colic, 85 
Flooding after delivery, 136 
Flukes in the liver, 111 , 



Flux, bloody, 93 

...... in oxen, 94 

in sheep and pigs, 95 

Foals, costiveness in, 83 

Foot and mouth disease, 47 

Foot rot in sheep, 337 

malignant, 339 

treatment of, 340 

Foreskin, stone in, 126 

Fractures, 368 

of the horn, 374 

of the jaws, 371 

of the leg, 373 

of the nasal bones, 371 

of the pastern bones, 370 

of the pelvis, 369 

of the ribs, 370 

of the shoulder blade, 372 

tibia, partial, 372 

treatment of, 372 

Frenzy, 240 

Fumigations, 451 

Gadfly, 79, 261 

Gall-bladder, 334 

Gaps in chickens, 44S 

Garget, 142 

case of, 144 

Gas in the paunch, 66 

Geese, 435 

General management of sheep, 401 

remarks on nasal dis- 
charges, 155 

Generative organs, diseases of, 128 

Gid of sheep, 235 

Giddiness, 232 

treatment of, 241 

Glanders, 306 

ox, 149 

Gleet, nasal, 151 

Gloss anthrax in oxen and sheep, 
44, 281 

in pigs, 45 

Glossary, 460 

Gonorrhoea, 141 

Grass staggers, 71 

Grapy grease, 271 

Grease, 270 

.... case of. 272 

Gripes, 84 

Gullet, diseases of, 60 



INDEX. 



469 



Gullet, obstruction of, 61 

stricture of, 63 

Gutta serena, 258 
Guttural pouches, collection 
matter in, 154 

inflammation of, 66 

Hair balls, 81 

Hatching of chickens, 430 

Haw, 254 

Heart, dilated, 220 

diseases of, 218 

enlargement of, 219 

palpitation of, 218 

Heels, cracked, 267 
Hematuria, 122 
Hemiplegia, 248 
Hemorrhoids, 103 
Hepatitis in horses, 108 

in oxen, sheep, etc., 109 

Hide bound, Q1 

Hind legs paralyzed, 230 

Hip down, 369 

sprain of, 298 

Hock, conformation of the, 375 

Hocks, capped, 296 

Hog cholera, 284 

Hollow horn, 391 

Hoof, contraction of, 388 

Hoose, 216 

Horns, broken, 374 

disease of the, 391 

Horse bot, 79 

shoe, patent, 344 

Hove, 65 

relapsing, 66 

Hydatids of the brain, 246 
Hydrophobia, 224 
Hydrothorax, 182 
Hysteria, 230 

cases of, 231 

Impaction of stomach, 72 
Impetigo, 270 
Importance of splints, 386 
Incised wounds, 286 
Indigestion, 67 

acute, 85 

Inflamed throat, 54 
Inflammation of the bladder, 124 

of the bowels, 96 

brain, 240 



Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, 
164 

.... guttural pouches, 55 
of jaw bone, 35 

.... joints, 391 

.... kidneys, 115 

liver, 108 

.... lungs, 167 

.... lymphatics, 335 

.... mouth, 38 

.... mucous membrane of bowel, 
93 

.... nose, 148 

.... parotid gland, 52 

.... peritoneum, 99, 104 

.... pleura, 172 

.... prepuce, 142 

.... serous membrane of bowel, 
99 

.... tongue, 38 

.... udder, 325 

.... womb, 140 
Inflammatory fever, 282 
Influenza, 157 
Inhalations, 450, 451 
Injuries, 286 

.... about the mouth and tongue, 
41 
Insects in the brain, in cows, 247 

.... in sheep, 246 
Intestinal worms, in horses, oxen, 
and sheep, 77 , 

.... in pigs, 78 
Introductory remarks, 19 
Intussusception of bowel, 103 
Itch, 262 
Jaundice, 107 
Jaw joint open, 53 

.... osteo-sarcoma of, 43 
Jaw, fractures of, 371 

.... inflammation of, 35 
Joint felon, 314 

.... murrain, 282 

.... coffin, 294 

.... open, 289 
Kidneys, diseases of, 115 

.... inflammation of, 116 

.... stone in, 126 
Killing of pigs, 418 
Knees, broken, 287 



470 



INDEX 



Lambs, early treatment of, 407 

weaning of, 410 

Lameness, groggy, 342 

Lampas, 42 

Leucorrhoea, 141 

Leg bones, fracture of, 373 

Lice, 261 

Lichen, 269 

List of external applications, 448 

internal remedies, 446 

Liver, diseases of, 107 

flukes in the, 111 

inflammation of, 108 

of the ox, 333 

Lockjaw, 226 
Loin bound, 314 
Long wool sheep, 398 
Looseness of bov\ els in horses, 88 

case of, 89 

in oxen and sheep, 90 

case of, 90 

pigs, 91 

Loss of appetite, 75 
Lotions, 448 
Lumbago, 314 

case of, 315 

Lumps in the udder, 143 
Lung parasites, 216 

Lungs, abscess in, 181 

case of, 181 

bleeding from the, 181 

case of, 182 

congestion of, 162 

case of, 163 

inflammation of, 167 

parasites in the, 216 

Lymphatitis, 335 

Madness, canine, 224 

Mad staggers, 70, 239 

treatment of, 241 

Maggots on sheep, 260 

Malignant coryza, 149 

pustule, 280 

Mallenders, 273 

Mange, 262 

from diseased straw, 266 

Measles, 275 

Mechanical means for assisting de 
livery, 136 

Megrims, 232 



Membranes, synovial, 390 
Merino sheep, 394 
Mercurial poisoning, 43 
Metacarpal bone, 381 
Metritis, 140 
Middle wools, 396 
Milk fever, 325 

cases of, 332 

treatment of, 329 

general directions for, 33 1 

Molten grease, 93 

Moon blindness, 253 

Moor ill, 102 

Mouth and foot disease in oxen, 47 

in sheep and pigs, 50 

Mouth, inflammation of, 38 

injuries about, 41 

ulceration of the, 339 

Mumps, 52 
Murrain, 47. 347 
Myalgia, 318 

Nasal bones, fracture of, 370 
catarrh, 148 

.... discbarges, general remarks 
on, 155 

.... gleet, 151 
Navicular disease, 342 
Neck, sprain of, 297 
Nephritis, 115 
Nests for sitting hens, 426 
Nettlerash, 268 
Nodes, 292 
Nose, bleeding from, 147 

collection of pus in, 153 

sheep bots in, 156 

Nursing, directions for, 27 
Obstruction of the gullet, 60 
(Estrus equi, 79 

.... hemorrhoidalis, 79 

.... veterinus, 79 
Ophthalmia, 251 

periodic or specific, 253 

Open joint, 289 

Os calcis, 376 

Osteo sarcoma of jaw, 43 

Overreach, 303 

Ox glanders, 149 

Pain in stomach, 75 

Palpitation of the heart, 218 

Papular eruptions, 269 



II 



INDEX 



471 



Paralysis, facial, 248 

of the hind half, 249 

of the legs, 230 

of the side, 248 

tongue, 40 

Paraplegia, 249 

Parasites in the lungs, of sheep, 216 

of calves, 216 

nose of sheep, 156 

vegetable, 266 

Parasitic diseases. 260 
Parotid gland, inflammation of, 52 
Partial fracture of the tibia, 372 
Parturition, in cows, 132 

in ewes, 404 

Pastern bones, 370 

Patella dislocated, 298 

Patent shoe, 344 

Patient, examination of, 19 

Paunching, 73 

Pelvis bone, fracture of, 369 

sprain of, 298 

Pericarditis, 220 

Periodic ophthalmia, 253 

Peritoneum, inflammation of, 99 

Peritonitis, 99 

Phthiriasis, 262 

Phytolacca decandra, 144 

Pigs, breeding, rearing, etc., 416 

carbuncular disease in, 59, 

284 

killing of, 418 

throat disease in, 59 

Piles, 103 

Pilules, 24 

Placenta, retained, 137 

case of, 138 

Pleura, inflammation of, 172 
Pleurisy, 172 
Pleurodynia, 314 
Pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, 208 

treatment of, 212 

in horses, cases of, 176, 178 

Pneumonia, broncho, case of, 179 

pleuro, in cattle, 208 

in horses, 167 

case of, 175 

pleuro, case of, 178 

typhoid, case of, 1 77 

Poisoning, antidote for, 459 



Poisoning, mercurial, 43 
Pokeweed, 145 
Poll evil, 290 
Polypus in gullet, 60 
Poultry, care of eggs, 427 

different breeds of, 419 

diseases of, 442 

feeding for market, 433 

general management of, 423 

hatching of, 430 

Premonitory signs of Abortion, 130 

pneumonia in cattle, 208 

Prepuce, inflammation of, 142 
Profuse staling, 117 
Protrusion of the rectum, 105 

tongue, 40 

Prurigo, 269 
Psoriasis, 273 
Puerperal fever, 325 
Pulse, in horse, 20 

in mule, 20 

in ox, 20 

in sheep, 20 

where to feel the, 20 

Purpura hcemorrhagica, 320 
Pus in nose, collection of, 153 
Pustular eruptions, 270 
Pustule, malignant, 280 
Putrid sore throat, 58 
Quarter evil, 282 
Quittor, 303 
Rabies, 224 
Ranula, 43 

Rectum, e version of, 105 
. . protrusion of, 105 
Red water, 123 
Remarks, introductory, 19 
Remedies, list of, 446 

selection of, 23 

the, 24 

Respiration, frequency of, 21 
Respiratory organs, diseases of, 147 
Retained placenta, 137 

case of, 138 

Retching, 64 

Retention of urine, 120 

Rheumatism, acute, 313 

chronic, ol4 

in cow, case of, 315 

1 in horse, case of, 317 



472 



INDEX 



Ribs, broken, 370 
Kinderpest, American, 855 

treatment of, 363 

Great Britain, 347 

treatment of, 351 

Ringbone, 293, 386 

case of, 295 

recipes for treatment, 454 

Ringworm, 266 
Roaring, 186 
Round worms, 77 
Rot, in oxen and sheep, 111 
Roup, in chickens, 443 
Ruptured stomach, 71 
Saddlegall, 267 
Salivation, 43 
Sallenders, 273 
Sarcoptes equi, 262 

ovis. 263 

Scabies, 262 

Scab in sheep, 263 

Scanty urine, 119 

Scarlatina, 276 

Scoke, 144 

Scour in calves and lambs, 90 

in chickens, 443 

Shearing, 416 

Sheep, bots in nose of, 156 

breeds of, 393 

general management of, 401 

long wool, 398 

middle wool, 396 

Sheep's skin, 413 

Shoulder blade, fracture of, 372 

sprain of, 298 

Shoulder tied, 314 
Sitfast, 267 
Sidebone, 293 
Skin, diseases of, 260 

parasites on, 260 

Sleepy staggers, 69, 239 
Slipping the calf, 128 
Small-pox, 277 
Soreness and stiffness, 318 
Sore teats, 145 

throat, 54 

Spanish fever, 355 

sheep, 394 

Spasm of diaphragm, 215 
leg, 298 



Spavin, 292, 377 

detectable, 379 

occult, 379 

recipes for treatment, 454 

Speedy cut, 302 
Spleen, diseases of, 107 
Splenic apoplexy, 112, 281 
Splint, 293, 381 
.... cause of, 384 
.... recipes for treatment of, 454 
Sprains of the back, 297 

back tendons, 299 

hip, 298 

neck, 297 

pelvis bone, 298 

shoulder, 298 

stifle, 298 

Staggers, sleepy, 69, 239 

mad, 70, 239 

Staling, difficult, 127 

profuse, 117 

scanty, 119 

Stifle, sprain of, 298 
Stomacace, 359 
Stomach, crammed, 72 
.... diseases of the, 64 
.... pain in the horse, 75 
.... ruptured, 71 
.... staggers in horses, 69, 239 
.... staggers in oxen, 71 

treatment of, 241 

Stones, in bladder, 126 

bowels, 81 

foreskin, 126 

kidneys, 126 

prepuce, 126 

ureter, 126 

uretha, 126 

Strain of the flexor tendon, 342 

Strangles, 161 

Strangulation of the bowel, 103 

Stricture, 63 

Stringhalt, 250 

Strongylus armatus, 77 

. . . radiatus, 77 
Stumbling, 388 
Sturdy, 235 
Sunstroke, 238 

. . . treatment of, 241 
Surfeit, 268 



INDEX. 



473 



Syrabiotes equi, 262 
Synovial riKitnbranes, 390 
Sweeny, 305 
Toenia denticula, 77 

expansa, 77 

mamilana, 77 

perfoliata, 77 

plicata, 77 

Tape worm, 77 
Tapping the chest, 183 
Teats, chapped, 267 

sore, 145 

Teeth, as tests of age, in horses, 29 

in oxen, 31 

in pigs, 32 

in sheep, 31, 413 

decayed, 34 

diseases of the, 29 

general symptoms of dis- 
eased, 36 

irregularities of, 32 

Teething, difficult, 33 
Tendons, back, sprain of, 299 
Tetanus, 226 

Texas cattle disease, 355 

Thick wind, 186 

Thorough pin, 295 

Thread worm, 77 

Throat diseases of the pig, 59 

diseases of the, 54 

inflamed, 54 

^., ,. obstruction in, 61 

polypus in, 61 

putrid or malignant sore, 58 

sore, 54 

Thrush of the feet, 345 

of the mouth, 37 

Tibia, fracture of, 372 

Ticks, 261 

Tinctures, 24 

list of, 446 

Tongue, inflammation of, 38 

injuries to, 39, 41 

protrusion of, 40 

Toothache, 35 

Tooth, '• buck," 312 
** woli's," 33 

Tread, 303 

Trichiasis, 252 

Triturations, 24 

21 



Triturations, list of. 446 

Turkeys, rearing of the chicks, 440 

Turnsick, 246 

Twists, etc., of the bowels, 103 

Typhoid pneumonia, case of, 177 

Udder, inflammation of the, 142 

Ulceration of the mouth, 47, 339 

of the feet, 337 
Ureter, stone in, 126 
Uretha, stone in, 126 
Urinating, difficulty of, 127- 
Urine, bloody, 122 

incontinence of, 121 

retention of, 120 

scanty, 119 

Urticaria, 268 
Use of ewe's milk 412 
Vagina, discharge from, 141 
Variola, 277 

Vegetable parasites, 266 
Vertigo, 232 
Vomiting, 64 

Warbles on skin, 261 

Warts, 272 

Water farcy, 310 

on the brain, 245 

red, in cattle, 123 

Weaning of calves, 139 
of lambs, 410 



Weed, 335 

Wheezing, 186 

Whistling, 187 

Whites, the, 141 

White scour, in calves and lambs, 

90 
Wind, broken, 186 

thick, 186 

Windgalls, 295 
Wind sucking. 74 
Windy colic, 85 
Withers fistulous, 292 
Womb, inflammation of, 
Wood evil, 102 
Wool and its peculiarities, 
Wools, long, 398 

middle, 396 

Worms, intestinal, 77 
Wounds ami injuries, 2S6 

' incised, 286 

Yellows, the, 107 



140 



399 



ILLUSTEATIOI^S. 



^ Plate I. — Front view of tlie bones of the knee . . . 289 

/ Plate 11. — Showing external diseases of the horse . 290 

Plate III. — Tendons and ligaments of the fore leg . 295 

/ Plate lY.— Devon cow 325 

Plate Y. — Metacarpal and sesamoid bones 336 

Plate YL— Devon Ox 355 

Plate YII— Skeleton of the horse 386 



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A 



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